(a) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has suggested a review of the policy provisions relating to Broad-band services as reported in the Hindustan Times dated November 4, 2005;
(b) if so, the facts thereof and the action likely to be taken thereon; and
(c) the other measures being taken to boost usage of Broad-band services at the minimum cost?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) to (c): Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have recently sent a communication to the Government recommending that Government should conduct a review of various provisions of Broadband Policy and should have reconsiderations of TRAI`s earlier recommendations pertaining to Local Loop unbundling and fiscal incentives for Broadband. However, the suggestions made by TRAI are under examination.
The Government has recently announced reduction in license fee for NLD/ILD service licensees from 1st January, 2006. This is expected to reduce the cost of Broadband Services.