The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has redefined broadband for telecommunications operators based on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) suggestion. This new definition increases the minimum speed requirement from 512Kbps (in place since 2013) to 2Mbps. According to TRAI data, there were 825.38 million broadband users in India as of November 2022 under the previous definition.
Understanding the New Definition of Broadband
The fresh broadband definition implies a data connection that can support interactive services, including internet access, and provides a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps to an individual subscriber from the service provider’s point of presence (POP). Wired broadband and wireless broadband will both fall under this 2 Mbps limit. This update was much anticipated as The National Telecom Policy 2012, later replaced by The National Digital Communications Policy 2018, had originally aimed to redefine broadband to 2Mbps by 2015.
Status Quo of Broadband Speeds
Figures from Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index (December 2022) reveal that the median wired broadband speed in India is over 75Mbps. The median wireless broadband (mobile) speed exceeds 36Mbps. As the 5G network continues to expand, broadband speed is expected to increase even further in the future.
The Industry’s Perspective
The industry initially resisted this update as it was felt that 4G networks might not be able to maintain a 2Mbps speed due to a high number of devices connected to a single tower or a user being too far from the nearest base location. The actual speed experienced by the customer is governed by several fluctuating factors. The industry advocated for the continuation of the preceding definition of 512 Kbps for broadband due to its focus on affordability and accessibility.
Information on WiMAX for UPSC Civil Services Exam
Here is a previous year question from the UPSC Civil Services Examination: “WiMAX is related to which one of the following? (2009)(a) Biotechnology(b) Space technology(c) Missile technology(d) Communication technology”. The answer is (d), as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is a wireless broadband communication technology optimized for IP-centric services delivery over a wide area. It is primarily an alternative to wired technologies like cable modems, DSL, and T1 or E1 links for providing broadband access to customer premises.