'Motorola dropped due to product mix'
Even as the Chinese factor continues to make the rounds as the reason behind Motorola’s disqualification from BSNL’s tender for 45.5m lines, the PSU has finally come out in the open with its stance to put all speculation to rest.
By Joji Thomas Philip, TNN |
NEW DELHI: Even as the Chinese factor continues to make the rounds as the reason behind Motorola’s disqualification from BSNL’s tender for 45.5m lines, the PSU has finally come out in the open with its stance to put all speculation to rest.
According to BSNL sources, “Motorola’s documentation revealed that it would be sourcing 60% of the network elements from US-based Lucent and China’s Huawei. If one considers the complete product mix, it was the failure of components supplied by these companies to pass the technical criteria that resulted in Motorola’s disqualification.”
“Motorola by itself was supplying only 40% of the network equipment, which was primarily related to radio-related components. While Motorola’s components passed the technical grade, Lucent and Huawei did not, going purely by the documentation provided to us,” confirmed a top BSNL executive.
“Tender conditions stipulate that vendors submit documentary evidence to prove that they have successfully installed a minimum of 20m GSM connections on similar lines. Some of the key components supplied by Lucent and Huawei to Motorola failed these criteria as they had not been installed on 20m functional lines. This is a deviation from our requirements,” sources said.
When contacted, Motorola sources pointed out that “every vendor has made substantial deviations from the tender norms since it is not possible for any player to meet the technical criteria to the T”.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Motorola has regularly been in discussions with BSNL ever since it invited technical discussions and has responded positively to all the technical queries. As recently as a week ago, Motorola provided compliance undertakings on various requirements,” the company said.Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
