Evolving National Internet Policies in India: From Monopoly to Liberalization
This workshop, led by Rishi Chawla, explores the evolution of Internet policies in India since its launch in 1995 by VSNL. The transition from a monopoly to privatization highlighted key developments, including the growth of subscriber bases and the drastic reduction in user costs from USD 1.5/hour to unlimited access under USD 10/month on ADSL. Topics covered include the establishment of NIXI, the impact of legislative frameworks like the IT Act on e-commerce, and challenges such as low PC penetration and corruption. Public consultations play a crucial role in shaping effective policies.
Evolving National Internet Policies in India: From Monopoly to Liberalization
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Workshop on National Internet Policies A Case from India Rishi Chawla ISOC - GIPI INDIA Director NIXI & .IN Registry
Internet in India • From Monopoly to Privitisation • Internet launched in India by VSNL in 1995 • Monopoly of VSNL ended in Nov 1998
Internet in India • Month/ YearSubscriber Base (Millions) • Aug' 95 0.01 • Mar' 96 0.05 • Mar' 97 0.09 • Mar' 98 0.14
Internet in India • Month/ YearSubscriber Base (Millions) • Aug' 95 0.01 • Mar' 96 0.05 • Mar' 97 0.09 • Mar' 98 0.14
Internet in India • The cost to the consumer used to be • USD 1.5 / hr. including the dial up local call charges.
Internet in India • Month /Year Subscriber Base (Millions) • Mar' 99 0.28 • Mar' 00 0.90 • Mar' 01 3.00 • Mar' 02 3.20 • Mar' 03 3.60 • Sep' 03 3.98 • Dec' 03 4.10
Internet in India • The cost to the consumer now • Unlimited access Under USD 10 / month on ADSL. • Dial up is 50 Cents per hour
National Internet Policy • Licensing of ISPs • Internet Telephony • Wireless Internet
National Internet Policy • Internet Exchange – National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) • Liberalized .IN Cctld Policy
National Internet Policy • Legislation • -Adoption of Information Technology Act has provided legal framework for E-Commerce by giving legal validation to electronic transactions and recognising Digital signatures • - covers cyber crime
National Internet Policy • Amendments to IT Act • Assessment of local towns – Internet not easily available everywhere – Reasons low PC penetration – Corruption
National Internet Policy • E-governance projects • Advocating Lower Internet Access Tariffs • Role of Public Consultations
National Internet Policy • Importance of National Policy
Thanks for listening • Rishi Chawla • rishi@gipi.org.in • Rishi@isoc.org.in
