An officer and a gentleman

“Good Afternoon” greets Lt Col HS Bedi VSM, MD, Tulip IT Services. In the brusque world of business one rarely hears such pleasant proprieties that are ingrained into military men. Lt Col Bedi was awarded Vishesh Seva Medal by the government and he has made Tulip IT Services an equal success.ET caught up with Lt Col Bedi to understand how he has used his military training to craft civilian success.

What is Tulip IT services into?

We offer VPN connectivity. We use wireless to provide the last mile connectivity. Whereas companies such as BSNL would use copper in last mile, we use wireless. We provide managed IP service. This is Tulip Connect and forms major part of our business.

What are other areas of business?

We sell network equipments such as routers and switches. We are also beginning to get into rural connectivity. Rural connectivity is going to be a big area with government planning to spend in excess of Rs 3,000 crore in this.

How does wireless technology over last mile work?

It is somewhat similar to cellular mobile networks with their towers. Tulip for instance has 50 POP (point of presence) in Delhi which offers access to around 2.5 km each. This helps us provide connectivity using radio frequency. We have connectivity in over 540 cities, with around 2,000 POP and have invested Rs 180 crore for this.

But you use optical fibre between cities don’t you?

We lease fibre from all providers — Tata, Bharti, Reliance etc. For intercity connectivity we rely on fibre. However within city, fibre does not reach every nook and corner and hence we use wireless for last mile connectivity.

Can wireless replace fibre or copper?

In voice, it almost has. After all mobile phones operate over wireless. But over long distance fibre would always tend to be used. Wireless has a limited range of at most 40-50 kms.

Could not multiple wireless towers be used to communicate between cities?

Actually Department of Telecom had these micro towers. However fibre has high capacity and hence is cost effective.

Why the foray into rural areas?

Government is planning a big leap into rural areas and plans to connect 100000 villages. Fibre is reaching every town. Now the challenge is to take connectivity to villages. It would cost approximately Rs. 60000 to connect a village. We expect to work substantially on rural connectivity.

How did you come from Army background to running a telecom business?

I was in armoured corps (tanks) in army. Though I was from non technical cadre in army, I got involved in computerisation and connectivity. I was awarded Vishesh Seva Medal for my technical work. After army I started my Tulip.

How is operating in civilian world different from military?

In many ways it is similar. Though there are differences. In army you can command. In civilian world you have to lead.