The Indian Government has said that it has revised the definition of a broadband internet connection in India from a minimum speed of 256 Kbps (Kilo bits per second) to 512 Kbps from January 2011. The move comes as the Government has accepted TRAI’s recommendations in the National Broadband Plan with regard to speed of broadband internet in India. The Government has also said that from January 1, 2015, the stipulated download speed for any broadband connection, either wireline or wireless, will be 2 Mbps.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Milind Deora, Minister of State for Communication and Information Technology, said, “Broadband connection may be defined as a data connection using any technology that is able to support interactive services including Internet access and support a minimum download speed of 512 Kilo bits per second (Kbps). It is to be noted that the upload speed will atleast be half the download speed. This definition of broadband (Both Wireline and Wireless) given in para 6.21 above, which will be effective from 1st January 2011. The stipulated download speed of 2 Mbps will be effective from 1st January 2015.”

“Licensed Telecom Service Providers are to provide Internet and Broadband services as per the terms and conditions of their respective licenses. However, in case of any violations, actions are taken as per the provisions of the respective Telecom licenses. Further, 34 Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cells are functioning all across the country to curb illegal activities in telecom services and checking the compliance by the licencees, in respect of licence conditions and any directions issued by the licensor”, Deora added.