Broadband connections provided in the country are predominantly based on ADSL technology (i.e. wireline). The last mile connectivity has been a major problem in reaching the remote and far flung areas.

With the auction of 3G and BWA spectrum, rapid proliferation of wireless broadband in the country is expected.

Under National e-Governance Plan, Department of Information Technology is setting up 100,000 Common Services Centres in the rural areas for delivery of public services to citizens. As on 30 June 2010, around 81,000 centres have been set up.

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Voice on Internet Protocol (VoIP), Net PC and other VAS features such as antivirus, antispam etc are provided to those customers who apply for it.

TRAI has issued a consultation paper on ‘National Broadband Plan’ in June 2010 discussing various issues affecting the growth of broadband such as non-availability of connectivity upto village level, non-availability of content in vernacular languages, affordability of customers premises equipment, high international band width prices, and low affordability of broadband etc. Further, Government has recently concluded Auction of 3G/BWA Spectrum, which can be utilized by Telecom Service Providers for Wireless Broadband rollout in near future.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.