“Many countries have broadband as fundamental right and India should debate on the same.” This was stated by J S Sharma, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) during the 6th Assocham Global Telecom Summit in New Delhi.
 

Sharma said that it is time to redefine broadband beyond 256 kpbs and that TRAI is currently inviting comments on the National Broadband Plan from various stakeholders.
 

Sharma also released the report ‘Bharat 2010- 2020 Dawn of the Digital Decade’, jointly brought out jointly by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) and Frost & Sullivan.
 

The Summit was attended by stalwarts from the industry who expressed various issues relating to telecom sector. Amongst the various concerns from the telecom industry there were demands to declare telecom as essential services, adequate usage of over Rs 20,000 Cr Universal Service Obligation (USO) fund, rationalization of fees, clarity on purchase of equipments and an assurance to meet the deadline of September for release of spectrum.