The number of broadband connections in India have seen a continous growth since the beginning of 2006. At the end of August 2008, total broadband connections in the country have reached 4.73 million. However the definition of broadband is pretty constrained in India compared to other countries. A 256 kbit/s always on connection is the definition of broadband in India compared to 2 Mbit/s in other countries. However most ISP’s, especially the Government managed companies are now offering speeds up to 2 Mbit/s.
BSNL, Sify, MTNL, STPI, Airtel, Netcom, Reliance Communications and Hathway are some of the major ISPs in India. TRAI has defined broadband as 256 kbit/s or higher. However, many ISPs advertise their service as broadband but don't offer the suggested speeds. Broadband in India is more expensive as compared to Western Europe/United Kingdom and United States.
After economic liberalization in 1992, many private ISPs have entered the market, many with their own local loop and gateway infrastructures. The telecom services market is regulated by TRAI. ADSL providers include:
Tata Indicom (VSNL)
MTNL / BSNL
Bharti Telecom (Airtel, Bharti Televentures)
Because of the increase in ISPs and the quality of service Qos, It became cheaper to call India from around the world. Many Indians today, studying or living all around the world, are using calling cards to India to speak with their families back home. It used to be much more expensive prior to 2002.
Airtel and BSNL have launched 8 Mbit/s & Reliance Communication offers 10 Mb/s broadband internet services in selected areas recently . For home users , the maximum speed for unlimited downloads is 1 Mbit/s , available for USD 60 (roughly , with taxes) Internet Users: 60,000,000 (September 2007) Source: Internet World Stats
Broadband in India is defined as 256 kbit/s and above by the government regulator. Total subscribers were 2.3 million (April 2007) Source: TRAI
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) & Hosts:
86,571 (2004) Source: CIA World FactBook
Country code (Top-level domain):