The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has updated the definition and raised the minimum speed requirement for broadband from 512Kbps to 2Mbps, based on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendation. There are 825.38 million broadband users in India, using broadband by the past definition, as of November 2022.

New Definition of Broadband

Broadband is a data connection that can support interactive services including Internet access and has the capability of the minimum download speed of 2 Mbps (Megabits per second) to an individual subscriber from the point of presence (POP) of the service provider intending to provide Broadband service. Wired broadband and wireless broadband will both be subject to this 2Mbps limit.

Current Status of Broadband Speeds

• Median Wired Broadband Speed in India is over 75Mbps.
• Median Wireless Broadband (mobile) Speed is over 36Mbps.
• Broadband speed is expected to further increase as 5G network expands.

Broadband Technology 

Broadband technology refers to the transmission of data at high speeds over a network. It is a term used to describe any internet connection that is faster than a dial-up connection. Broadband connections can be delivered through a variety of technologies, including DSL, cable, fiber optic, and satellite.

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a type of broadband technology that uses existing phone lines to provide internet access. DSL can deliver download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 20 Mbps, depending on the quality of the phone lines.

Cable broadband, on the other hand, uses the same coaxial cable that delivers TV signals to provide internet access. Cable broadband can deliver download speeds of up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 50 Mbps, depending on the quality of the cable and the network infrastructure.

Fiber optic broadband is the fastest and most reliable broadband technology available today. It uses light to transmit data over optical cables, which can deliver download speeds of up to 10 Gbps and upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, the availability of fiber optic broadband is still limited in many parts of the world.

Satellite broadband is a type of broadband technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to provide internet access. It is typically used in rural areas where other types of broadband are not available. Satellite broadband can deliver download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 15 Mbps, but it is often more expensive than other types of broadband.

One of the main advantages of broadband technology is its ability to provide high-speed internet access, which allows people to stream video, play online games, and download large files quickly and easily. It also enables businesses to communicate more efficiently and collaborate on projects in real-time.