accesstointernet

The PM-WANI Scheme: An Explainer

The PM-WANI scheme aims to increase internet connectivity across the country by implementing a decentralised system of public access points. We created an explainer in which we discuss how, while a step towards the right direction, the scheme faces both foundational and implementational challenges.

10 February, 2021

6 min read

Mixed signals: Observations on the 2021-22 Budget

Budget 2021-22 is a mixed bag. Though it contains praiseworthy allocations towards programs such as Digital India and the USOF and provides a stimulus to R&D, allocations towards the PMGDISHA remain low, while concerns remain that signficant capital expenditure may not take place.

02 February, 2021

7 min read

Is internet access not a basic necessity? Should our privacy not be safeguarded in health and education?

While the emphasis laid on improving access and equity is commendable, there are certain concerns that the Economic Survey must address. These include questions raised about the commercialisation of healthcare and the viability of remote learning, as well as the overarching data paradigm.

30 January, 2021

5 min read

We wrote to the UGC and the Ministry of Education on exam proctoring

Following multiple reports of the use of exam proctoring technology by various universities across the country, we wrote to the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Education.

09 January, 2021

3 min read

Bridge the #DigitalDivide: On chronic inequalities in internet access

Data from the 5th NFHS survey indicates that while internet access is increasing, a significant digital divide remains as a result of issues such as gender gaps and rural-urban gaps. These inequalities are also borne out by other government statistics and our conversations with stakeholders.

07 January, 2021

5 min read

Net Neutrality

Arbitrary blocking of websites by Indian ISPs continues unabated #WhatTheBlock

Railwire seems to be arbitrarily blocking access to Reddit and DuckDuckGo. After Railwire subscribers sent us repeated reports on SaveTheInternet.in and also tagged us on social media we wrote to them today asking them to remove these blocks and follow the license conditions for ISPs.

21 December, 2020

2 min read

4GforAll

RTI responses from Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat show compliance failure with the Anuradha Bhasin Internet Shutdown decision

11 months on from the Supreme Court's decision on internet shutdowns in the matter of Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, there is still no compliance.

10 November, 2020

4 min read

Read IFF's Comments on TRAI's Consultation Paper on Broadband Access and Connectivity

In our comments, we highlighted the need to revamp the policy and regulatory initiatives surrounding the broadband infrastructure in the country to ensure that every citizen has access to the internet irrespective of their geographical location or social and economic status.

20 October, 2020

4 min read

4GforAll

We wrote to the DoT about Odisha's internet connectivity issues #4GforAll

We asked them to ensure that the BharatNet Project, which aims to provide fast internet connectivity to the whole country, is operationalised according to pre-existing timelines so that these issues can be resolved.

09 September, 2020

6 min read