Technologically speaking, there might be some issues where optical fiber is concerned. A section of the industry feels that the optic fiber technology is obsolete and the PSU can do well to experiment with other technologies available in the market today.

“One has to be technologically neutral. Optic Fiber is a decade old technology and the organization can do well to experiment with piloting and hybridisation of the new available technologies. In fact, I am sure they would be doing it already,” believes Naresh Ajwani,President of Cyber Cafe Association of India.

However, the yet-to-be-released TRAI consultation paper says that the optical fiber seems to have some advantages over the other technologies available in the market. Optical fiber is the most economical technology which can support highest bandwidth requirement and can easily be upgraded, if demand increases. While in core network optical fiber seems to be the only solution, mix of technological in access network will do well to boost broadband network.

While the service providers are laying optical fiber network but mostly in the urban cities, the critical issue associated with laying of the network is Right of Way. NOFA would have to work with the operators to come up with the right RoW policy. A favorable policy framework for laying the optical fibre is the need of the hour to remove the hindrance and restrictions for timely rollout of such network.

Though NOFA is a step in the right direction, it remains to be seen whether the actions are in sync with the intent. Besides, the time line is also critical where the coming up of the optic fiber is concerned. Broadband is the need of the hour and it is critical that the Government policies encourage operators to rollout services at the earliest.