Trai sets standards for broadband

As a result, ISPs that take advance payment for a new connection must get the service up and running within 15 days, and ensure it works for over 90 per cent of the time every quarter. Beginning September 2007, this will be raised to 98 per cent of the time for all users.

In addition, the speed of the connection must immediately be over 80 per cent of the speed a subscriber is paying for, and ISPs are also not to run a 8220;congested8221; broadband network, without providing for additional broadband to help them meet the above criteria.

Trai has decided that over 90 per cent of the customers of an ISP must be 8220;satisfied8221; with the service over a quarter. In addition, more than 90 per cent of customers must also be satisfied with the billing and customer service quality provided. Any shortfalls on these criteria will make the ISP fall in Trai8217;s quarterly rating of broadband services.