The Internet Industry in India

Latest facts and figures of Indian Internet Service Providers found through GIPI india.

* ISP Licenses Issued - 540 Approx.

* Operational ISPs - 185 Approx

* Cities/Towns covered - 340 Approx.

* Internet Subscribers - 3.3 million Approx.

* Cyber Cafes / Public Access Kiosks - 12,000 Approx.

* In-principal approval for setting up Int'l Gateways - 45 ISPs

* Operational Int'l Gateways by 8 - 9 ISPs - 40 +

* Total Estimated Investment made by ISPs - Rs. 6000 crores

* Estimated Investment made on Eqpt. by ISPs - Rs. 2500 crores

* Estimated Employment Provided (Direct/Indirect) by Internet Industry - 1.1 lac

[Source : Internet Service Provider's Association of India]

What is ISPAI :

The Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) was set up in 1998 with a mission to 'Promote Internet for the benefit of all'. ISPAI originally started activities in 1994, when e-mail licensees such as Sprint RPG Ltd., Global Telecom Services Ltd., Wipro Ltd., Datapro Information Technology Ltd., Crompton Greaves Ltd., Satyam Infoway Ltd., etc came together with the express purpose of initiating continuous dialogues with the Department of Telecommunications and seeking to remedy various shortcomings in the License Conditions, impress upon the Licensor to review, change and add new guidelines, and last but not the least exercise the right to obtain timely and quality infrastructure and resources to enable High Quality Services to be delivered by the licensees / operators.





With the formal announcement of Internet privatization during the later part of 1997, EISPAI had taken a lead role in monitoring the privatization process. During December 1997, the first draft guidelines from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) were posted on the Internet without the provision of a Single 'All India' License. After aggressive representation by EISPAI, Category ‘A’ License for all India services was introduced in the draft license. We have since then been at the forefront of bringing about changes in the Internet Policy, through regular interaction with various Government Departments, other Industry Associations and Media.




ISPAI works closely with DoT, DIT, TRAI and Industry Associations such as FICCI, CII, Assocham etc. and it is our constant endeavor to take up and resolve various issues that affect implementation of the ISP's projects. ISPAI played a vital role in privatization of International Gateways within the laid down security constraints. Thus, ISPAI seeks opportunities to encourage and promote the use of Internet and IT enabled services, such as E-commerce, E-governance, Health Care and Distance Learning etc.

Related Links :

* Department of Telecommunications - India

* Ministry of Communications & Information Technology

* The Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI)