Having broadband in India is like having speeds of poor dial-up connection. You can never do anything else other than browsing (that too is pretty frustrating) – seeing video clips or listening to streaming music is next to impossible.
How can ISP’s term these kinds of connections as broadband?
It’s simple! They have tiny letters saying “upto” before 256kbps. That means they can give speeds less than 256!
Given the increased public resentment over slow speed connection TRAI has put the right foot forward by issuing a directive to ISPs.
Responding to complaints from harassed consumers who are offered “broadband” at speeds much slower than those stipulated by the government, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has taken a tough call.
It has written to operators saying they can no longer advertise broadband services that say they offer “up to” 256 kbps speeds, thereby circumventing the rules by offering services at far lower speeds.
Instead, Trai has directed all operators to clearly mention the minimum guaranteed download speeds in various packages. The regulator said operators have promised to abide by the new direction.
Meanwhile, the regulator has also mooted a discussion paper, which was released today, on whether the present level of 256 kbps defined as the minimum speed for a broadband connection should be raised to bring it on a par with international standards.
Better late than never !