India's Broadband Economy_Vision 2010_Vision Strategies Recommended Action_2004

India’s Broadband Economy: Vision 2010

March 2004Confederation of Indian Industry23, Institutional AreaLodi RoadNew Delhi 110 003, IndiaTel: 91 11 2462 9994-7Fax: 91 11 2462 6149/2463 3168Please contact Sabyasachi Patra, email:sabyasachi.patra@ciionline.orgfor anyreport related information. © Confederation of Indian Industry, 2004All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced, either in part or in full,without the express written consent of Confederation of Indian Industry.

India’s Broadband Economy: Vision 2010

FOREWORD

CII believes that digital infrastructure is as vital to the nation’s future growth, asphysical infrastructure is to its present prosperity. The absence of inexpensive nondial-up options is already becoming a major stumbling block to the country’s growth.Ubiquitous and cost effective public and private broadband networks are as importanttoday as voice based Telecom networks were in the previous decade. Internet basedservices and connectivity for SOHOs / SME are crucial for enhanced productivity andperhaps even survival.Broadband networks, both wireline and wireless, provide an essential and integratedcommunication highway that can deliver diverse types of data at a speed and qualityunattainable by current delivery mechanisms. They must be viewed, not as someesoteric “technology”, but as an important vehicle to reach a new trajectory ofdevelopment. And this quantum leap need not cost the earth. Existing wireline andwireless networks can be broadband enabled with only incremental investments byindustry, provided this is combined with suitable fiscal & regulatory regimes.“India’s Broadband Economy: Vision 2010” is a path breaking effort to help develop avision and roadmap for the proliferation of a broadband economy in India. Ubiquitousbroadband services will accelerate economic growth and employment generation,and can revolutionize the delivery of education, health and governance services. It isone of the most exciting tools for enhancing the quality of life of our people.This study is the outcome of a true public- private partnership between government,regulators and industry. I would like to compliment the Committee and all those whohave contributed to this study for their effort and their ideas.CII hopes that the recommendations of the Study will be implemented and that wewill see India emerge as a leader and role model in the field of broadbanddeployment. It is my fervent hope that the India of 2010 will be a vibrant and trulyconnected country in every sense of the word.

Anand Mahindra

PresidentConfederation of Indian Industry