The fascinating and enchanting world of internet has over the years become more captivating with new technology replacing old and new providers revolutionizing internet services. One click and the whole world instantly unfold before the user.
Access to internet has become quicker with the introduction of broadband services. Broadband connection offers high speed access to the internet with a fast rate of data transmission over a fiber optic wire utilizing 56k router. It is different from a dial-up access that utilizes a telephone router which has a slower speed. DSL, ASDL, Cable internet, VSDL, Wi-Fi and the latest WiMax are the technologies used for broadband access.
In India, both government and private players are present in the market as broadband service providers. Big names like Airtel, BSNL, MTNL, TATA Indicom, Reliance, Idea, Tikona, Hathway, Youbroadband, Infotel, Asianet and Sify are among the best broadband providers at present. These companies provide superior speed ranging from 256 Kbps upto 50 Mbps that is provided by the market leader Airtel. However, the government owned BSNL is not far behind. It has emerged as the top player that offers the most pocket friendly broadband service all over India.
Different companies have a host of services and broadband plans to woo their customers and to cater to their diverse requirements. Internet service providers charge for the usage according to the speed chosen by the customer. Besides that there are unlimited access plans useful for long duration surfers or the night plans with concessional rates. Some even have a prepaid plan wherein no monthly bill is charged. Few companies also provide landline, broadband and DTH connection in a single plan.
Today Wi-Fi connection has changed the whole experience for a home based broadband user. With a Wi-Fi network a domestic user can conveniently enjoy high speed internet in any part of home. For those who have to travel often Wi-Fi provides fast, secure and reliable internet access no matter where one goes. Superior technology has made it possible to stay connected in other countries of the world too using a Wi-Fi broadband connection. Satellite broadband too is slowly gaining popularity that is useful for business or other communication needs. However, the high cost involved makes it unsuitable for an average domestic user.
Nowadays access to a broadband connection and internet penetration are considered as economic indicators implying the development of any country. Seeing the advantages that the internet has to offer governments all over the world are trying to increase the number of internet users especially in the rural areas. The Indian government too has set a target for 20 million broadband connections by the end of the year 2010 covering all high schools as well as gram panchayats and public health care centres. Indeed a herculean task but not impossible at all.
