Enable pvt players access to BSNL's local loop

Going against the wishes of the department of telecommunications, the Economic Survey
has said for broader and faster penetration of broadband, especially in the rural areas, the
government should allow private players access to BSNL's local loop, which provides 'last
mile access'. If the same is done private players would not have to lay wireline telephone to
provide broadband services but can simply do so by utilising BSNL's infrastructure. The
DoT has rejected any such proposal a couple of years back and even BSNL is vehemently
opposed to it.
The Survey has also suggested that the government should not charge any revenue share
licence fee and other telecom charges from operators for providing broadband connectivity
in rural areas. Though the country has witnessed a mobile revolution the same has not
happened in the case of broadband where the the total number of broadband connections
is abysmally low at 6.5 million. Interestingly, BSNL is the market leader in broadband
services.
source : http://in.biz.yahoo.com/090702/50/battw2.html