Not satisfied with implementing the OneIndia plan, under which local and domestic long-distance phone call tariffs would be merged at Re 1, communications and information technology minister Dayanidhi Maran is now studying the idea of making broadband free. What’s more, to arrest the declining rate of landline sales for BSNL and MTNL, the minister has also suggested that free landline phones may be offered to users with multiple mobile connections.

Maran said that the move towards free broadband may come about once state-owned telecom firms Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) get into web hosting. “Efforts are being made by BSNL and MTNL to start web hosting. At the moment, all traffic generated in India terminates outside and we should try to terminate these within the country,” he explained.

Once traffic starts terminating within the country, the concept of free broadband, allowing for unlimited downloads without paying a charge, could be possible, the minister added. Asked about the time frame to translate this into reality, he replied, “I still have two years’ time.”

At present, BSNL, which has the largest number of broadband users at around 8-9 lakh, charges Rs 250 a month for a minimum speed of 2 mbps and 1 GB download. MTNL charges Rs 199 a month for a similar connections. BSNL’s unlimited download plan costs about Rs 900 a month while on an average, private sector players charge about Rs 600 for unlimited download plans.

Commenting on the issue of declining fixed-line phones, the minister said, “Phones are being surrendered because individuals in a family have separate mobile connections and do not want to pay for a landline they hardly use,” he said.

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