The Indian Government recently reaffirmed its pledge to facilitate Wi-Fi availability in all villages through the GramNet initiative. The connectivity provided by this program is expected to vary between 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps speed. The announcement came amidst the 36th Foundation Day celebrations of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), wherein the Minister of State for Communications affirmed that BharatNet also has plans of offering 1 GBPS connectivity, with potential expansion up to 10 GBPS.
C-DOT Unveils New Innovations
During its Foundation Day festivities, C-DOT unveiled three fresh innovations aimed at addressing current telecom sector challenges and empowering rural India. These innovations will not only bridge the digital divide but also offer people, particularly those in remote areas, a higher degree of comfort and choice.
XGSPON (10 G Symmetrical Passive Optical Network)
XGSPON is envisioned as a response to growing needs for high network speeds spurred by user applications such as IPTV, HD Video Streaming, and Online Gaming. This innovation could also host a multitude of other cloud-based services requiring ample bandwidth.
C-Sat-Fi (C-DOT Satellite WiFi)
C-Sat-Fi utilises wireless and satellite communication optimally to extend connectivity. It has been designed primarily for disaster and emergency scenarios when other communication modes are unavailable. It does not require costly Satellite Phones and can function on any WiFi-enabled device.
CiSTB (C-DOT’s Interoperable Set-Top Box)
The CiSTB, similar to a portable smart card, promises to transform the Cable TV operators’ experience by offering flexibility, ease, and convenience without the need to replace the installed Set-Top Box.
| Innovation | Description |
|---|---|
| XGSPON | Facilitates high-speed network for numerous applications |
| C-Sat-Fi | Optimally utilises wireless and satellite communication to extend connectivity |
| CiSTB | A portable smart card-like solution offering flexibility and convenience to Cable TV Operators |
About the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
Established in 1984, C-DOT operates as an autonomous Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. It’s a registered society under the Societies Registration Act,1860, and a recognized public-funded research institution with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.
Rashtriya Broadband Abhiyan and Other Initiatives
Currently, C-DOT is working towards meeting the objective of several flagship programs of the Indian Government, which include Digital India, BharatNet, Smart Cities among others. GramNet falls under the National Broadband Mission (Rashtriya Broadband Abhiyan) striving to achieve universal broadband access.
Apart from this, other initiatives are being taken such as BharatNet– offering 1 Gbps to Gram Panchayats upgradable to 10 Gbps; NagarNet– establishing 1 Million public Wi-Fi Hotspots in urban areas; and JanWiFi– setting up 2 Million Wi-Fi Hotspots in rural areas. All these initiatives aim to bring the country closer to digital empowerment.