The government yesterday allowed Internet service providers (ISPs) to have multiple international gateways and to use backbones of the railways, Power Grid Corporation and state electricity boards in addition to that of the department of telecommunications (DoT).
This was part of the revised Internet policy announced by DoT yesterday.
The new policy also allows ISPs to charge subscribers a market determined amount.
However the access charges to be paid by the ISPs to Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) or any other gateway provider will be fixed on a promotional basis.
The special promotional fare will be set by an Inter-Ministerial Implementation Committee (IMIC) which will oversee all Internet related matters.
Apart from laying down conditions for the ISPs, the IMIC will also set the licence fee to be paid by them. The quantum of the licence fee to be paid after the fifth year will be indicated after reviewing the situation on completion of three years.
There will be no limit on the number of ISPs. Further, port charges and leased line fee will be part of the promotional rate package.
The policy also allows ISPs to create their own transmission network subject to IMICs authorisation.
Voice telephony on the Internet would not be allowed thus retaining the duopoly for voice services in the circles and VSNLs monopoly in international services.
All licensees of DoT, namely basic and cellular operators, can become ISPs. E-Mail licencees will be permitted to become ISPs and they will also get a licence fee waiver for the first five years.
The guidelines pertaining to the service area of the ISPs and other eligibility criteria will be worked out soon. FIsand banks will be encouraged to finance new entrepreneurs wanting to enter this area.
