But technology cannot work in isolation. For it deliver assured results, it is important that the Government harmonises spectrum allocation for 3G as per global recommendations. Harmonisation will allow the same devices to be used across multiple countries and enable manufacturers to achieve economies of scale and lower prices for end users, once again, stimulating adoption of MBB services.

The Indian government took the right steps by announcing the 3G policy last year to help drive growth of mobile broadband. However announcement of the policy is just the beginning, which now needs to be supplemented with fair and transparent auctions to enable proliferation of MBB in India.

On the device front, an increasing number of 3G-enabled phones are now being sold and device prices are fast becoming competitive boosting further uptake. It is believed that currently nearly 15 million of India's mobile subscribers already possess 3G-enabled handsets and during the next few years, nearly 30 percent of all future handsets are expected to have 3G capabilities. These numbers should grow significantly once 3G/HSPA services gets actually rolled out.

India projects to have 20 million broadband subscribers by 2010 and that can only happen with WCDMA/3G enabled wireless broadband.

Adapting to newer paradigms
Globally, mobile broadband users in 2008 grew 80% over 2007 numbers. A broadband enabled economy will alter industry dynamics and traditional business models leading to closer cooperation between various players and consumers.

Innovations and new ways of business are bringing diverse industries closer. For example, IT and telecom with health, education, governance and commerce. It is now time for ecosystems  of market players in these verticals to collaborate in order to speed up innovation and reduce time-to-market for business.

Broadband has emerged as the most successful service in the history of telecommunications, with an uptake even faster than that of mobile phones. It is affecting everything, from the way we socialize to how we communicate and lead our lives. With the projected growth and availability of mobile broadband, growth in Internet usage is expected to be exponential. Broadband with anytime, anywhere connectivity on any device has the potential of enabling a true, well connected society, both in emerging as well as mature markets.

So, here’s hoping that this time next year, we have multiple 3G networks in India that would energize the market and trigger “inclusive growth”.

The author is VP-Marketing and Strategy, Ericsson India Pvt Ltd.