Broadband penetration likely to miss target

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The gap between target and achievement of broadband penetration in the country will go over 10 million by 2010, unless the cost of personal computers comes down to Rs 10,000 and adequate infrastructure is made available.

In a paper brought out jointly by industry chamber Assocham and Frost & Sullivan, it has been highlighted that the present broadband penetration is less than one per cent.

Broadband should not be made available only through telephone lines but also through power lines. The electric line will become the most obvious choice for spreading the technology since it is widespread, according to the chamber.

Substantial and relevant content for the diversified population would be a challenge for the spread of broadband in rural areas. The Government should play a leading role in developing and deploying applications such as e-governance and e-education.

Apart from this, service providers should also be encouraged to develop rich local content the same way they are encouraged for rural telecom expansion through the Universal Services Obligation Fund, according to the chamber.