/ciol/media/agency_attachments/c0E28gS06GM3VmrXNw5G.png)
Follow Us
You have done better in the private sector than in the government sector. In this light, what is your overall assessment of the Indian market?
The Indian market is a strong market for us. We have strong relationship with Ambanis and Tatas and inspite of fierce competition we manage those relationships very well. We have 100 percent CDMA operations for both Tata and Reliance. There has been a modest growth in Shyam network for Rajasthan. For the public sector, ITI is our partner and we try to interface with government companies through ITI.
What is the value of the Reliance CDMA order that you have bagged recently?
We have bagged Reliance Infocomm order for the first two phases of deployment. The deployment has already begun and will continue till end of December till most of 2003. The Reliance CDMA order is approximately $400 million. We have supplied the order in phases and initially supplied 800 BTS (base transmission station) but so far we have shipped 1,600 BTS to Reliance Infocomm till date.
Reliance Infocomm deployment will be the largest aggressive deployment excluding China Unicom where all the cities are being deployed simultaneously across all the states in the country. If you visit any of the deployment sites, it is tough to distinguish Lucent employees from those of Reliance, as everybody has come together and are putting the same effort. We will be able to complete the Reliance network in record time and with highest quality.
How big is the Tata Teleservices order in terms of value and volume?
We have bagged Tata Teleservices CDMA network order for four circles. The order is specifically for 3G 1X which will provide high-speed data services in addition to voice.
How do you compare the two wireless technologies–GSM and CDMA?
Wireless technologies have a great opportunity in India. CDMA technology like 3G 1X provides better utilization of spectrum and provide service at much lower cost base. We will provide 3G data service when the market and applications are there in India. GSM does not have a path to 3G as it is still evolving.
In ITU you have launched Lucent AnyMedia Line Access Gateway for broadband and voice access platform which will help in optimizing and scaling for business customer growth. Do you feel that these products will be applicable for the Indian market?
I don’t see Lucent AnyMedia Line Access Gateway being deployed in India at least next year as Indian market is far from being mature.