The Hindu Business Line : ISPs oppose auction of Wi-Max spectrum

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New Delhi Jan. 30 Fearing predatory moves from large integrated telecom operators, stand-alone Internet Service Providers have approached the telecom regulator with a wish list to help thwart the competition. The Internet Service Providers Association of India has said that spectrum for Wi-Max services should not be auctioned and should be offered to ISPs for wireless broadband services. ISPAI also said the Government should give support from USO Fund to help Internet operators provide broadband in rural areas.

Responding to the consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which questioned the need for a large number of Internet operators, ISPAI said, "world over the ISP sector has been softly regulated, which is why almost in every country ISPs are more in number than any other service providers." In the US there are over 5,000 ISPs, Australia has about 500 ISPs; UK, 400; Pakistan, 130, and Bangladesh has 200-plus ISPs, it said, adding, "Keeping this in view, 389 is not a big number for a country like India."

ISPAI said TRAI should ensure that resources are made available to ISPs in a non-discriminatory and non-predatory manner and predatory practices by the integrated operators must be checked to ensure a level playing field for ISPs. Internet operators said they should be allowed to offer Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) and, therefore, the licence conditions should be modified to accommodate new applications or services in line with technological advancements.

Close to 95 per cent of dial-up and broadband subscribers are owned by the large operators, leaving close to 150 small Internet operators on the verge of closure. ISPs are now banking on a favourable Internet policy to revive their revenue streams.

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