The reassuring buzz of the landline phones has always been the committed lifeline in times of need. When storms rage and power falters, the good old-fashioned landline steps into the spotlight, its copper wires ensuring a connection when all else fails. Yet, in the unfolding narrative of communication evolution, the familiar landline is poised to become a relic of history—a once-essential technology now facing the quiet inevitability of obsolescence.
Traditionally, during power outages or when cell towers succumb to the fury of storms, the steadfast reliability of landlines has shone through. With copper-wire connections, landlines defy the blackout, providing a lifeline for communication when high-speed internet connections and cell phones falter.
In emergencies, they have been the go-to, a beacon of connectivity that weathered the storms, both figuratively and literally.
However, amid a technological revolution, marked by a surge in broadband adoption, traditional landlines stand at a pivotal juncture, facing the shadow of obsolescence in Assam.
The shift is palpable, evident in the changing dynamics of communication within the state. The once ubiquitous landline, with its distinct ring, is now giving way to the seamless connectivity offered by broadband services.
This transformation is not just about wires and signals; it's a reflection of changing lifestyles, preferences, and the inexorable march of technology.
Landlines in Assam are gradually becoming a relic of the past, with the proliferation of broadband services taking centre stage.
As per TRAI, recent data from October 2023 reveals a significant surge in broadband subscribers, signaling a changing landscape in the state's communication technology.
At the end of September 2023, Assam boasted 885 million broadband subscribers. Fast forward to October, and the numbers saw a noteworthy uptick, reaching 888.27 million, reflecting a monthly growth rate of 0.37%. The figures, compiled from 1,115 operators, highlight a dynamic shift in the preferences of the populace.
Breaking down the market share, the top five service providers dominate the broadband scene, constituting a staggering 98.35% share at the end of October 2023.
The frontrunners in this arena include Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd with 462.34 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 258.26 million, Vodafone Idea with 125.68 million, BSNL with 25.09 million, and Atria Convergence with 2.21 million subscribers.
Delving further into wired broadband services, as of October 31, 2023, the top five providers across India include Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd with 9.97 million subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 7.17 million, BSNL with 3.75 million, Atria Convergence Technologies with 2.21 million, and Oneott Entertainment Limited with 1.13 million.
Examining the broader telecommunications landscape, Assam's overall teledensity is 72.17% as of October 31, 2023.
This metric, which gauges the number of telephone connections for every hundred individuals, reflects the growing prevalence of communication technologies in the state.
However, amidst the burgeoning broadband scene, traditional landline usage has experienced a decline. According to Trai data, BSNL connections in Assam witnessed a dip in wireless subscribers from 102,314 in September 2023 to 101,923 in October 2023.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from BSNL shed light on the factors contributing to the waning popularity of landlines. He emphasized that technological obsolescence was pivotal, citing the outdated copper wire infrastructure that characterized old landline systems.
"Copper has intrinsic value, and optical fibers are much cheaper. They can transmit data at very high speeds, a feat that copper wiring struggles to achieve," he explained. "Furthermore, the technology has evolved significantly, leaving traditional landlines trailing behind."
Despite the decline, the official acknowledged that landlines still hold a unique advantage, particularly regarding voice quality. "The type of voice or sound quality that you get on a landline is unmatched by mobile phones. Mobiles tend to heat up easily and have radiation issues, unlike landlines."