We have come a long way from the days of dial-up connections that used to take ages to connect to the Internet, and it is now the age of broadband connections. In India, broadband connections have improved tremendously and are showing no signs of slowing down. While speeds of 2Mbps or 4Mbps were acceptable a couple of years back, now it is relatively easy to afford connections with speeds up to 24Mbps. It’s not just the speeds either, and broadband penetration too is showing some positive signs. A recent TRAI report revealed that there are more than 160 lakh broadband subscribers in India, with nearly 6.8 lakh users added since December last year. Let’s take look at this growth in a bit more detail, and see what is driving it.
In addition to newer technologies, one of the primary drivers of this growth is the reduction in costs. It is easier and more affordable than ever to have a broadband connection at one’s home. Airtel, for one, is currently offering a 16Mbps connection with 80GB download limit and unlimited voice calling for just Rs 1,899 per month. This sort of a plan and pricing was unimaginable a couple of years back.
The penetration of smart devices too is increasing at a frightening pace, and content consumption too is at an all-time high. In a regular household there are more than one smartphone and computer, and more time is being spent on the Internet. With online video and music streaming services, and online gaming a common thing these days, speed and higher download limits is the need of the hour.
This is seeing broadband companies scampering to fulfill the growing demand. In addition to faster speeds at lower costs, these companies are also offering freebies and other goodies to tempt consumers. Airtel’s ‘Broadband Surprise’ is a fine example of how companies are keeping the consumer’s needs in mind.
Those who subscribed to Airtel’s service after June 30 this year are entitled to a bunch of benefits like bump in speed, price discounts, and free data as well. Airtel is offering free data packs for upgrading one’s download limit, free speed upgrades, as well as up to 30 percent discounts on new connections. To know more about Airtel’s Broadband surprise, you can head over to its website and provide your DSL ID or your landline number. Some terms and conditions as well as useful FAQs are answered here.
As mentioned above, TRAI says that there are more than 160 lakh broadband users in India as of August 2015. The likes of MTNL, BSNL and Airtel lead on the basis of users, followed by the likes of ACT and YOU Broadband.
While India has recently fallen down global broadband penetration rankings, there are some positive signs going forward. ISPs are working towards fulfilling the growing demand among users for more speed and data caps. The government too is working towards connecting rural areas in the country as a part of PM Modi’s Bharatnet initiative.
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