Siemens, UTStarcom to partner BSNL in broadband rollout
BSNL is all set to rope in Siemens, UTStarcom and ZTE of China as core equipment vendors for its upcoming broadband services rollout in 898 cities, reports Kalyan Parbat.
By TNN |
KOLKATA: BSNL is all set to rope in Siemens, UTStarcom and ZTE of China as core equipment vendors for its upcoming broadband services rollout in 898 cities, reports Kalyan Parbat.
Indications are that state-owned ITI with Alcatel will handle equipment supplies for 30% of the total broadband tender value in step with the telecom PSU quota.
Following the evaluation of price bids, the BSNL board is finalising equipment vendors for the designated cities and circles. Details remain under wraps, but the ITI-Alcatel duo may handle broadband equipment supplies in northern states, while Siemens could be the vendor in states like West Bengal (including Kolkata metro).
While specifics of BSNL’s broadband multiple tender are not known, it is likely to target 2.8m lines in the first flush. The broadband equipment rollout will happen over a three-year span.
In the first stage, BSNL is slated to invest roughly Rs 500 crore in broadband network rollout. Eventually, BSNL subscribers across 898 cities will be able to savour the thrills of high-speed internet, audio-on-demand, video-on-demand, cable TV along with diverse gaming options.
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Confirming the developments a BSNL board member told ET, “BSNL is close to finalising the L1, L2 and L3 vendors for its national broadband services rollout. Discussions with UTStarcom, Siemens and ZTE are in advanced stages. ITI may be allotted a specific zone in step with the PSU tender reservation quota norms. We are looking to cover 898 cities by March ’07.”Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
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