(7 December 2009 9:15 pm)

NEW DELHI: The National Radio Spectrum Management & Monitoring System (NRSMMS)project has been implemented through a World Bank loan of about $30 million to computerize spectrum management.

Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Gurudas Kamat told Parliament that the automation of RF spectrum management has resulted in more effective and efficient spectrum management in more transparent manner.

Various types of applications for wireless licensing are now being received online and processed through Automated Spectrum Management System (ASMS). All the wireless users including telecom operators, defense forces and broadcasters are being benefited with this facility.

Meanwhile, the Government has planned to set up about 100,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs) to provide Government services including access of broadband connectivity to citizens in rural areas.

There were about 7.19 million broadband subscribers in the country at the end of October this year.

The Government plans to expand broadband coverage to connect every Gram Panchayat to broadband network by May 2012.

The Indian Telegraph Act 1885 had been amended to enable provision for USOF support for broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas, and an agreement had been signed by USOF with BSNL for providing wireline broadband connections in and around 28,000 villages/rural locations over a period of 5-years, by 2014.

The subsidy disbursement is for broadband connections, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), computer/computing devices and setting up of kiosks for public access to broadband services. The estimated subsidy flow is Rs 15 billion.