Tech Telecom

Fixed Broadband customers have a reason to cheer with a minimum download speed of 512 kbps guaranteed at all times instead of 64 kbps, even after they use up their assigned data limit. The telecom regulator asked fixed or `wired’ broadband operators to ensure a minimum 512 kbps download speed at all times.

According to the telecom department, broadband is a “data connection that supports interactive services, including internet access, capable of a minimum download speed of 512 kbps to an individual subscriber.” This is an amended definition (amended in 2013). Only when the telecom service providers offer the speed of 512Kbps, this definition can be met in the true sense.

Currently, the operators throttle the speed once the usage limit is exhausted. In terms of informing the subscribers about the usage of the data, operators should provide the alerts to customers through SMS every time when they cross the 50%, 90%, and 100% limit. There should also be a portal accessible to the subscriber that will enable him/her to check the status of his usage limit.

According to the directive, for the fixed broadband subscribers, the companies have to specify data usage limit and the promised speeds, as well as the speed of the connection after excess usage. For the mobile users, they should know the technology they are using, usage quota, speed offered, and the speed after the limit on the portal as well as on the advertisements.

Meanwhile, the telecom regulator has separately asked mobile broadband operators to also keep customers fully in the loop on the primary technology – 3G or 4G – that they will enjoy while accessing data within their data usage limits, and actual (read: reduced) speeds beyond the threshold.