Maybe the expensive part is spectrum -- it's pretty limited, and is usually sold at auction. So the cheap bandwidth (double meaning intended) in India is ultima

Maybe the expensive part is spectrum -- it's pretty limited, and is usually sold at auction. So the cheap bandwidth (double meaning intended) in India is ultimately a reflection on the average customer not being able to afford much. The customers don't literally participate in the auction, obviously, but the operators bid based on what they think customers will pay. It's like the representative democracy version of an auction.