Make broadband a utility service like power: K T Rama Rao

Municipal administration, information technology and industries minister K T Rama Rao on Sunday requested the central government to declare broadband services as utility on the lines of power and telephone services.He suggested that the government should make it mandatory for builders to lay ducts for broadband cables in all buildings before obtaining clearance or completion certificate. This would pave the way for an exponential increase in broadband penetration in the country .

In a letter to Union telecommunications minister Manoj Sinha, KTR requested that the proposal be pursued with



the Union ministry of urban development. Though mobile and wireless internet connectivity is catching up, broadband has become a basic necessity , especially due to its high speed connectivity , reliability and security when compared to mobile or wireless internet services.

“Internet has become an important tool to bridge the gap between the privileged and underprivileged. It is not only a medium for citizens to exercise their rights, avail basic services and obtain vital information, but also a tool for the government to deliver better services,“ he added.