NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator Trai has recommended that the government expedite the process of making spectrum available for 3G and WiMAX to boost broadband growth in the country. “The government should expedite decision on Trai’s recommendations regarding mechanism and pricing of Spectrum for 3G & broadband wireless access,” Trai said in its statement on Wednesday.
Trai issued its broadband recommendations after receiving feedback from stakeholders and taking into account best international practices on impediments affecting broadband growth. It had issued its draft recommendations in September 2007.
“Government announced Broadband Policy in 2004 and made certain projections for broadband subscribers’ growth. It was expected that broadband growth rate would be stepped up. However, it is observed that the growth of broadband in the country is slow and below expected level,” Trai said. The regulator has recommended that the government should ensure availability of more number of Ku-band transponders to roll out broadband services through the Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform. It also suggested encouraging cable TV operators to provide broadband over their network.
Other key recommendations include using the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to subsidise backhaul charges for the initial three years of broadband roll-out in rural areas and identifying more than two service providers seeking minimum subsidy with a roll-out obligation in rural areas. The regulator said municipal committees should be encouraged to include a clause for making multiple dwelling units/ buildings broadband-ready by adopting suitable internal wiring while giving clearance for the construction of all such buildings in future.
State-run operators BSNL and MTNL should be encouraged to appoint franchisees for providing broadband services to supplement their efforts, Trai added in its recommendations. It has also asked the Central government to work with the state governments to adopt uniform Right of Way (RoW) procedures and suggested formation of district-level committees to study RoW requirements and to take measures to encourage service providers to share ducts.
Source : EconomicTimes
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