Broadband and governance: Empowerment or illusion?
September 19, 2007, Vickram Crishna
The communication revolution over the last 50 years has evolved from circuit switched analogue signals to packet based digital transmission. However, telephony and communication services has remained the preserve of large companies and has been based on the resource reservation paradigm. However, recent advances in packet delivery technology has spawned the possibility of developing voice and data delivery systems that move away from the traditional circuit switched model. Using technologies based on standards, it is now possible to develop community based wireless networks for the exchange of data without some of the traditional roadblocks like the 'last mile problem'. India has to make its choices now in crucial areas like radio spectrum allocations and technology neutrality, as these will be key factors in the developing an inclusive telecommunication infrastructure and services in the country.