FIXED BROADBAND: THE UNMATCHED BACKBONE OF A DIGITAL ECONOMY

In a mobile-first world, FBB still delivers unmatched quality and greater capacity at lower costs, making it indispensable for India's digital growth ambitions

- TV RAMACHANDRAN

India’s emergence as a mobile-first nation is undeniable. With mobile broadband (MBB) reaching 65% penetration (TRAI July 2024), it is easy to see why some believe India does not need fixed broadband and mobile connectivity is enough to meet the nation’s digital demands. However, this thinking overlooks two critical aspects: the explosive growth in data consumption and the limitations of mobile networks.

Globally, countries are investing in optic fibre-based fixed broadband (FBB) to significantly increase data usage. A glance at comparable nations reveals the stark difference between their mobile and fixed broadband landscapes and that of India (see Comparative Data on Mobile and Fixed Broadband).

As the data illustrates, India lags in fixed broadband penetration compared to other nations. Countries like Japan, Sweden, and the United States boast much higher FBB penetration, correlating with their higher data consumption.

BROADBAND SPEEDS: A COMPARISON OF GLOBAL STANDARDS

India’s broadband speed standards are relatively low, with a minimum of 2 Mbps. In comparison, other nations have set much higher minimum speed requirements, ensuring better connectivity for consumers (see Broadband Speed Regulations Worldwide). It is no surprise that higher broadband speeds contribute significantly to economic growth.

THE ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE FOR FBB EXPANSION

The increasing data consumption worldwide has made it imperative for many economies to expand fibre-based FBB infrastructure. In the United States, monthly data usage per FBB connection has surged to 640 GB, and this figure is expected to reach 700 GB by the end of 2024. In Europe, the average monthly consumption has hit around 500 GB and continues to grow.