(a) whether the Government has prescribed any norms for the minimum speeds in case of a broadband connection;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the action proposed to be taken in this regard;
(c) whether the broadband operators are forcing a ''Fair Usage Policy'' on their customers thereby restricting the internet speed even in case of unlimited plans; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government against such operators?
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a)&(b) Madam, after consideration of the recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Government has revised the definition of broadband speed vide notification No.04/04/202009-Policy-1 dated 18.07.2013 as under :
“Broadband is a data connection that is able to suport interactive services including Internet access and has the capability of the minimum download speed of 512 Kbps to an individual subscriber from the point of presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide Broadband service”
(c)&(d) Telecom Service Providers do offer unlimited broadband plans where the data usage remains unlimited. However, the speed may be reduced after certain pre-defined usage limits. Such reduced speed cannot be less than the minimum speed for broadband service prescribed by the Government.
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