The DoT representatives gave the details of the National Internet Backbone (NIB) which is being set up in the next six to eight months by the department. This covers 545 stations in India. Once the NIB is set up, the ISPs can connect their equipment to NIB locally to get international connectivity to internet. The participants were apprised of the various steps taken by the Department for  expeditious issue of the licenses and also for the implementation of the ISP policy. It was announced that as on date, 41 licenses have been issued (category 'A'-7, category 'B'-13 and category 'C'-21) and about fifty licenses are likely to be issued by the year end.

Taking note of the concern expressed by the ISP licensees regarding the availability of telephone lines, the DoT officials informed them that 50 per cent of their requirements would be released on priority. Regarding the tariff for the leased lines and junction lines it was clarified that the same is under finalization by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Based on the TRAI recommendations, decisions would be arrived at, in the near future.

Commenting on the issue of International Gateways, the ISP licensees were informed that the proposals for setting up the Gateways are to be submitted to DoT. An inter-ministerial committee has been set up for clearing the proposals. As on date, one proposal for setting up the Gateway has been received and it is being examined.