Broadband Roundup: ISPs Want Spectrum, VoIP Regulation, No Consolidation; Air Jaldi’s Success

– With the 3G policy expected by the end of the year, the ISP Association of India is making a last ditch effort for spectrum allocation of ISPs, claiming that the policy is heavily in favour of mobile operators (which it is), and that operators should pay per MHz. Convergence will pit Telcos against ISPs.[via the Hindu]

— At the same time, the ISPAI is against allowing free VoIP in India, and has alleged that free VoIP from service providers like Google, Skype, Tahoo, Vonage, MSN is anti-competition, since “legit” service providers have to pay 12.36 percent service tax on web services and 6 percent revenue share on Internet telephony. [via ToI]

— TRAI recommends that small ISPs (Mickey Online has 1,000 subs in Moradabad; North East Online has 100 subs in Guwahati) should be asked to expand to a State/National by paying a fee – Rs 20 lakh and Rs 10 lakh license fee, annual fee of 6 percent of revenues and bank guarantee of between Rs. 25,000 and Rs 10 lakh. Else, they should shut shop by the end of their license period recommends the TRAI. This is expected to make broadband more expensive. Much more on pros and cons of the move here at the Hindu. I think that while this move will lead to consolidation, it’s not likely to help quality of services much – something which each ISP struggles with. Broadband Wireless access is the key, as is opening up the last mile.

— As per analysts, the DoTs target of 9 million broadband subs isn’t realistic. There were 2.43 million broadband subs in April, and a montly growth of 5.65 percent (0.13 million) means there will be 4.21 million broadband subs by April 2008. Apparently, MTNLs IPTV has less than 1000 subs so far…not surprising [via Business Standard]

— The Indian Express has a feature on non-profit Air Jaldi, the low-cost Wi-Fi network in Dharamshala, spread over 70 acres, more than 7,000 ft above sea level. Air Jaldi is a 50-node wireless mesh network interconnecting around 2,000 computers. It operates from a room in a local school for Tibetan children, run by a core team of around 11 people. The service has benefited schools, hospitals and other NGOs. Says Michael Ginguld, CEO of Air Jaldi: “Today when I see 10-year-olds logging on to sites like hi5, chatting with people, I realize we are on the right path”

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