Free Broadband in India? Solve higher priority problems first!
The great government of India as recently as last week promised free broadband for all citizens by 2009 - with service provided by BSNL.Broadband to go free in 2 yrs -Telecom-News By Industry-News-The Economic TimesThe government proposes to offer all citizens of India free, high-speed broadband connectivity by 2009, through the state-owned telecom service providers BSNL and MTNL.While taken on its own merits, this sounds like a great idea - as availability of a high-speed internet connection has usually spurred new growth in various economies. However, I see this as a gimmick...
Why isn't this government more concerned about ensuring free food for all citizens, or free potable water for all citizens, or for that matter proper education? OK, education is "covered" by the education cess levied on all taxes - but how much of that money is being spent properly in providing basic education to kids? While I see all the comments on the feasibility of implementing it or of this being a simple election (national elections are in 2009) gimmick, no one is talking about the fact that there are so many higher priority problems in this country that should be tackled first. If those are addressed first, free broadband for all would become a reality all on its own without any major intervention from the government.Disclaimer: I happen to work for a telecom equipment provider that might stand to gain business from this initiative.
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