CIOL: Which is the most suitable broadband access method for countries like India? How do you foresee the emergence of Wimax, 4G and other technologies?

Given the adoption rates for broadband and access device penetration, the fastest route for the quantum leap of broadband in India would be through the tried and tested wired-access method, requiring unbundling of the local loop. The newer technologies like Wimax, HSDPA, 4G etc are still under trials even globally. The industry standards of communication protocols of such technologies have not yet become standardized. And, most importantly, no business models have evolved around these technologies to enable mass deployment. As a result, even equipment vendors are toying with multiple technologies and standards, resulting in the lack of economies of scale to drive equipment prices down.

CIOL: Tell us about your company's role in making broadband prevalent in the country? What are some of your future plans?

Airtel intends to dominate the internet space in India and believes it is rightly poised to do so, with its success in launching the mobile revolution in India. We are testing out new access technologies continuously, such as WiMax & 3G. We are also investing in rolling out Carrier Ethernet Networks in metros to enable delivery of IPTV and very high speed Broadband access.

These, plus a host of other initiatives that are in a nascent stage, are expected to enable Airtel to partner with the government of India to deliver the dream of 20 million connections by 2010 and make 2007 truly the Year of Broadband.