Interview with Director of ISPAI

BANGALORE, INDIA:

In Puneet Tiwari’s words, as Director for Internet Service Providers Association of India, this body has been formed to encourage entrepreneurship and the formation of new organizations. ISPAI fundamentally works with the Government to help entrepreneurship and continuously helps local entrepreneurs.

Today it has over 160 operational ISPs across the country. There are three types of licenses:

1.Category A: National level license

2. Category B: Metros / state level license

3. Category C: Small towns license

This structure of licensing helped the growth of entrepreneurship. Out of the total 160, 50% belongs to the C category and 20 — 25% to the B category.

ISPAI was formed in 1998. Formerly, there were only email licenses. The role of the Director is to continuously engage with the members, counsel and address the issues, take up matters with the respective state governments like TRAI, Department of IT, etc.

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In addition, seminars, conferences and workshops are organized to encourage learning amongst members. Even international speakers are invited to speak. Training sessions are organized so that knowledge and skill is enhanced amongst the members. Hands on training is given so that the network is made more robust and secure.

ISPAI is also in touch with International Associations like South Asian Network Operators Group, other regional bodies from Bangaldesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The key priority for 2011 / 12 is for the government to come out with a new telecom policy and broadband plan with an increased focus on the rural sector.