BSNL is going to start a new broadband sevice called DataOne (Or rather, it is starting a new service with an old name). It claims to offer high speeds ranging from 256kbps to 8mbps (!!). It also claims to offer value added services like video on demand and distance learning (whatver that is supposed to mean). It says it will be available from December but judging by the fact that this is BSNL, we might expect this to begin by jan 2005 or, hopefully, late december. Before you say that this will have a download/usage limit read this http://www.bsnl.co.in/service/dataone.htm . It appears BSNL has a new backbone and is really trying to provide a good service. And it also might be cheap. I asked a guy at the BSNL call centre and he couldnt give me much information but he did say that this will cheaper than all the other services available out there. Guys, this might be the panacea of broadband in India we were all hoping for. And dont start saying this will be slow/limited/costly. Looks like BSNL is really doing its best to give a good service and our IT ministry is giving it a good push. Lets all cross our fingers and pray!
One important note: the BSNL website has "tarrifs" for DataOne which seem crappy. But those are not the tarrifs for this service. BSNL had another broadband service called DataOne back in 2003 which had high rates and low limits and these appear to be the tarrifs of thisold service. As of now the rates for this DataOne have not been announced yet.
