CWG delivery will be my priority: Kuldip Singh

NEW DELHI: Confident of braving new challenges that new responsibility as the newly appointed CMD of MTNL entails,Kuldip Singh says his immediate focus would be on flawless delivery of the prestigious Common Wealth Games.

Singh has been given the charge for a period of three months. His appointment comes after his predecessor R S P Sinha put in his papers as he failed to get an extension from the Prime Minister's Office.

MTNL is the official telecom service provider for Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi this year and elaborate preparation has to be made for the same. "In terms of technology, MTNL has been ahead of others and we would continue to do that. The Commonwealth Games is a challenging project, and also a great opportunity to reaffirm for MTNL to prove its technological strength," in an exclusive interaction, Singh told Voice &Data.

Acknowledging that the period of three months may not be sufficient to bring a remarkable improvement in the balance sheets of the company which has been facing severe pressure on its financials, Singh said we will put in sincere efforts to put things in the motion which will definitely show final results.

MTNL had declared 80 per cent decline in net profit for the second quarter ended September, 2009 and stood at Rs 20.58 crore compared to Rs 91.49 crore in the same period in 2008.

Known for enjoying a low-profile, Singh is admired for his strong technological edge and impeccable office record. "This is my first day in the CMD's chair, and it will be too early for me to talk about any targets for myself. I can only say we will work hard to give pace to pending things," he said.

Singh said he was committed to keep MTNL ready for Mobile Number Portability. "I am unable to understand why media focused only on PSUs' unpreparedness for the MNP, while private companies were also not ready."

The operator will struggle in the market place once MNP is introduced. Though it is the first operator to offer 3G services, MTNL could not grab enough 3G subscribers due to its poor marketing. MTNL, which has operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Nepal and Mauritius, is currently looking for franchise partners to run 3G business.

Singh would continue to hold the portfolio of director (technical). An engineering graduate and Masters in Business Administration, Singh has over 35 year of experience in telecommunications. Singh was promoted from GM Switching and Planning to be take over as director (technical) in December 2004. Before joining DoT, he worked in various capacities in Overseas Communication Service (now VSNL).