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Govt must take affirmative action to increase broadband penetration: Ajit Balakrishnan

04 November, 2009
“India will lose its way in the online digital revolution just like it did during the industrial revolution if the government does not take proactive measures to make broadband cheaper and easily accessible,” Ajit Balakrishnan, founder and CEO, Rediff.com, has said.

Currently, the cost of broadband in India is 260 times higher than in South Korea, while in China it is 65 times higher. South Korea offers the world's cheapest broadband rates. The high cost prohibits many users from accessing internet in India limiting usage to just checking emails, according to Balakrishnan.

Lamenting on the dismal 2 per cent broadband users in India compared to 60 per cent in the United States and 65 per cent in Japan, Ajit Balakrishnan has argued that the cost of broadband must come down considerably to increase the broadband penetration in the country.

“Unless the government takes affirmative action, the country cannot make progress in broadband penetration. An email sent from a user in Mumbai to a user in Chennai is routed to a server in the US or Singapore. This routing scheme has to change to bring down costs,” Ajit Balakrishnan has added. [Source: Rediff]
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“India will lose its way in the online digital revolution just like it did during the industrial revolution if the government does not take proactive measures to make broadband cheaper and easily accessible,” Ajit Balakrishnan, founder and CEO, Rediff.com, has said.

Currently, the cost of broadband in India is 260 times higher than in South Korea, while in China it is 65 times higher. South Korea offers the world's cheapest broadband rates. The high cost prohibits many users from accessing internet in India limiting usage to just checking emails, according to Balakrishnan. Read More


   
by better marketer on 07 November, 2009
Submitted by better marketer (not verified) on Sat, 11/07/2009 - 11:35.

Dude Ashish , are you the google Ceo or are u Yahoos! Emerging markets head or MSNs global CMO, If none of these you are not fit to make commends on Mr. Ajit. probably you dont know him at all or you know him so well and its a comment out of frustration, reasons unknown to us.

I feel the points made by the vetran in indian digital space is the most valid and its communicated simple and straight that even the 10th failed political babu will understand - one can only wish they really understand and take corrective action. india should be able to touch a 100 million online users and atleast 50% on broadband by 2011.

one thing i felt is that its may not be 260 times and 65 times more expensive (in the article), its 260% and 65% cheaper in those countries. the message is communicated well so absolutely no problems. Great mr balakrishnan i am looking forward to more insights from you- we dont have many lions in this business , so till young leaders emerge you continue to be industries flag bearer. cheers!

  • reply
by Ashish Malhotra on 05 November, 2009
Submitted by Ashish Malhotra (not verified) on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 13:40.

Does Ajit Balakarishnan even know the meaning of AFFIRMATIVE ACTION? He just uses big terms for simple problems. He should go and first try and learn the problem rather than coming up with terms.

  • reply
by GoogInvent on 05 November, 2009
Submitted by GoogInvent (not verified) on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 08:38.

Thas's a good news.
We are about to launch our product and have cleared first stage of Eureka 2009 (Asia's Largest Business Plan competition).
It would be our pleasure if we could get a chance to talk to Ajit Balakrishnan, could anybody help us by providing his e-mail/phone.

Thank you
googinvent@gmail.com

  • reply
by GoogInvent on 05 November, 2009
Submitted by GoogInvent (not verified) on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 09:21.

mistake !!! sorry for inconvenience. :)

  • reply

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