Context: While the Cabinet has recently announced a policy to expand Wi-Fi coverage across the country and increase broadband internet access and usages, there are certain gaps in internet connectivity in India.
Problems associated with the policy:
Infringement on the licensed rights of the telecom operators and Internet service providers (ISPs): as they have already paid huge sums for licensed and contractual rights. (charging upto 30% of revenues)
No clarity on some aspects of the policy: Whether existing laws allow for reselling Internet services by subscribers (equivalent to subletting, which was prohibited)
About eligibility: of transnationals such as Google, Facebook, Amazon and domestic firms.
Does not have a comprehensive focus on the problems: The policy focuses on the last-mile at the user end, whereas our problems extend from the user all the way back to the fibre core networks.
Issues with broadband sector
Incomplete links in communications networks: in the planning and execution of broadband Internet service delivery of what is required, and where.
This may be because of an expectation of markets being self-organizing systems, which does not hold universally.
Lack of wireless opportunities for the middle-mile: since the spectrum is available but not permitted in India. (because of contention of treating some bands as open Wi-Fi or restricted to licensed telcos).
It is this middle-mile from the fibre to the kerb, or to the home or before the user link, or from a gram panchayat to the village, that is missing, and difficult to fulfil.
Huge penalties delaying the outcomes: E.g. the 2G scam stalled the sector as a whole, because penalties against some perpetrators upended the industry, penalizing everyone. (also retrospective taxation).
Way Forward: To make the new policy more effective and boost broadband usage
Fix the gaps in the communications chain: including distribution at the user end, and technology gaps.
Consideration and consultation: For better services and avoiding undue disruption.
Maintaining stability is imperative in crucial infrastructure service that affects areas of living, working, education, entertainment, leisure, governance and security.
Remove government charges from telcos and ISPs: It will increase investment in hotspots and a possible resurgence of the communications services industry.
Remove restrictions on spectrum: Restricted and expensive spectrum escalated equipment costs and resulted in constraining of revenues.
Coverage should be inclusive: e.g. by enabling community Wi-Fi networks, especially in rural areas.