Broadband India Forum (BIF) was formed with the sole purpose of promoting, supporting and enhancing all policy, regulatory and standards initiatives for the proliferation of high-quality broadband in the country in a technology-neutral and all-inclusive manner, to empower consumers with efficient and economical broadband to realize the true Digital India.

In the short span of time since our formation in 2015, BIF has emerged as a recognised, independent, knowledge-based think-tank, in the digital communications ecosystem in the country. Our views, inputs, suggestions and recommendations having been acknowledged, considered and appreciated by various stakeholders – the government, regulator, relevant ministries/departments, standards agencies, academic institutions, important industry bodies and credible forums.

We represent over 50 reputed organisations in this diverse sector in a non-partisan manner – with all our members having an equal say and weightage in the Forum. Our membership base has been steadily growing over the years, with inclusion of some of the premier IITs and academic institutions of the country, as well as Government entities of repute and importance, besides industry participants, thus attesting to our efforts in the best possible manner.

While we work closely with the Government – the policy makers, regulator, decision makers and implementers – for proliferation of the broadband ecosystem in the country, we are also strong proponents of the values of liberalisation, and free and fair competition in the industry. This is to encourage and foster a healthy, competitive, transparent and potent business environment – which would eventually benefit the customers – through offerings and delivery of efficient and affordable services.

Besides promoting the need for developing a world-class, robust digital communications and broadband ecosystem in the country, BIF has also been a strong advocate for greater, equal and non-discriminatory access to all information and communications technologies (ICT) available for all Indians, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In fact, BIF’s dedicated High-Level Specialist Committee on ICT for Inclusive Ability works towards driving greater ICT accessibility and inclusivity in several areas of digital communications – including high-quality broadband and internet for all, and accessibility-enabled websites, apps, and technology. To this effect, great efforts and care have been taken in ensuring that the entire BIF website is made accessible in the best possible manner for all. Further, all BIF events are now presented with professional Sign Language Interpreters, for the convenience of all attendees.

BIF strongly believes that a robust Digital Infrastructure, based on a balanced interplay of essential primary and complementary technologies such as Fiber, Mobile broadband, Public Wi-Fi Hotspots, Satellite Communications, and use of E&V bands – in a proportionate and equitable manner – would be crucial for enhancing broadband penetration, so as to achieve digital inclusion and socio- economic prosperity for the entire nation. We shall continually strive towards realising this objective, and warmly welcome the participation and partnership of those who are interested and aligned in the same manner – to transform our nation into a truly digital and knowledge based economy, as we aspire to be.

TV Ramachandran
President,
Broadband India Forum