The Hindu writes:
"....only about 600,000 subscribers among over 5 million Internet users have opted for broadband.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which envisaged a liberal policy framework for broadband, has rightly called for concerted efforts by service providers to achieve the original goal of 1.5 million connections each in the private and public sectors by December."
The real issue as I see it:
- It's the cost of access rather than the cost of service.
- Pricing is still confusing to even the evolved customer - Nobody understands time-based pricing vs downloads-based pricing. It's too complicated for the average mind. No one, not even the service providers, do "guided selling" from their call centres. Their reps can't & don't understand the right packages (based on intended use )and can't recommend at all.
- Also, content is still an issue. Quality content is still unavailable and expensive.
- A PC is still an unaffordable commodity in India.
- Indian broadband speeds are not "true" broadband speeds.
- Also, "content and experience" is the only differentiator that will drive broadband adoption. A sub $100 PC or an access device is the only solution that will drive broadband penetration in India.
Broadband is not just about "bandwidth or speed". It's the experience that will drive word-of-mouth. Current service providers do very little to drive the 'broadband experience difference' amongst existing users. To them, all existing customers are equal today, which is not true.
It's time they get closer to customers and reality!