Realistically what can we expect in the next few years?

[meaculpa]

The Hindu : Business : Cos. allowed access to cable landing stations

I too have no idea what cable landing stations are - but I found the article

 

[blr_p]

So the reason we are stuck with such slow speeds at such high prices is because

the ILDOs, who own the landing stations, delay access to competing operators

This new regulation hopes to make it more transparent.

Sounds like very good news if it works out.

 

[Spawn Freak]

If I am not mistaken there isn't any major ISP which provides a significantly lower rate for a similar plan

BSNL is giving UL 256 Kbps for Rs. 900/month

 

[netfreak]

It might not have any significant impact. Private operators Reliance, VSNL and Airtal "already" have their own cabling systems. So, it will bring down bandwidth price for large operators but not sure how it will help retail customers where main issue is last mile connectivity.

 

[blr_p]

Well last mile problem is just that, the last problem in the list.If the ones that are already cabled can see better benefits, the market will fix the last mile problem.

 

[netfreak]

Very small percent of market is already cabled [if by cabled you mean have access to last mile].

 

[blr_p]

Yes i do, most ppl that ax this board are cabled, already.

 

[netfreak]

Less then 20% of MTNL's landlines are ADSL capable. So last mile broplem is still there. Some numbers for MTNL (BSNL's numbers are similar)... 1. Number of Landlines ~30 Lakh2. Number of "cabled" [aka. ADSL capable] lines :: 7 Lakh3. Nubmer of customers willing (and waiting) to be "cabled" :: 26,000[Source MTNL's Tender]MTNL has issued work orders for 5 lakh lines in May 07, that should habben by End-July/Early August.

 

[Amuthan]

You sure are a net Freak!! Thanx for all those info... But where are we heading to? Will we experience atleast 2Mbps unlimited broadband? Will a revolution like the one in mobile segment take place in the Consumer/Retail Broadband segment too? I guess I'm wishing waaaay tooooo much... But where r we heading by 2010?

 

[netfreak]

I have no idea... my thoughts are:1. Top guys MTNL and BSNL want to provide service but their hands are bound by rules.2. Retail operations of private players like Airtel/VSNL are short of cash and can't lay their own cables to "retail" customers. For example : BTVL (a.k.a. Airtel) made INR 1700 mn from retail and INR 15,000 mn from Enterprise (and 40% growth in enterprise). Its obvious that they will spend their money first on enterprise and whatever is left will be available to retail.3. Market Demand... This is the biggest problem. Not many ppl are interested in getting broadband. Even in posh localities of Mumbai City where average apartment costs 5 - 10 Cror, Its difficult to find a society with 50% apartments have broadband. Cost is obviously not a criteria there.