Date:14/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/14/stories/2007071450220800.htm

Back BSNL issue

As a former employee of the DoT, I fully endorse the recent views of readers on the delay in finalisation of the tender for supply of cellular equipment for BSNL. The decision not to go in for 3G is unwise as, in the near future, when the private operators adopt 3G, BSNL will still be stuck with 2G and will not be able to suddenly switch to 3G as the former has to live out its life. The private operators will thus overtake BSNL.

Also, any higher per line cost quoted in the present tender will be more than compensated by the revenue earned, which will be lost if fresh tendering is resorted to, involving a delay of six to ten months. There is also the likelihood of the average revenue per user (ARPU) rising considerably when the proposed 45.5 million lines are added.

T. R. Anandan Coimbatore