Due to complaints of lack of connectivity through the Chandigarh server by subscribers in Chandigarh and Punjab, the DoT had stopped giving any fresh connections to prevent a further increase in Internet traffic. However, with the installation of a fresh server and the imposition of restrictions on the number of users, fresh Internet accounts are being released once again. And with the release of fresh connections having been stopped since February, there is a long waiting list of nearly three months to cater to. "The Alpha 400 server has been replaced by a Compaq Alpha 1200 server, thus enhancing the quality of connections in the region," said Principal General Manager Prithipal Singh.

However, more significant is the imposition of restrictions on the number ofusers. Confirming the imposition of the restriction of two persons per account, Prithipal Singh said this had been necessitated by the rush at the Chandigarh server. "Previously, the number of persons who could log on to the Internet was not restricted, thus causing an undue rush". With a single connection, any number of people could simultaneously log on to the Internet. These restrictions will make this impossible and help control the traffic.

At present there are 2,229 TCP/IP working connections and another 81 shell accounts. However, only 144 telephone lines are provided for the TCP/IP Internet connections, while 16 lines are for the shell account users. DoT still has a waiting list of about 120 subscribers.

The large number of floating subscribers in the city has further added to the difficulty in getting a connection with the Chandigarh server. These floating subscribers have obtained an Internet account from other cities and are able to log on as "guests" at the Chandigarh server. The DoT is undertaking an exercise to determine the number of daily floating subscribers to arrive at an accurate estimate of the Internet traffic.