DTS to launch mobile telephony by April 1

BANGALORE: The Department of Telecom Services (DTS) is ready

to commence cellular mobile telephony by April 1 in 18 cities and towns,

including Chennai, Hyderabad, Calcutta and Patna, and offer cheaper

long-distance telephone services using Internet protocol in a few cities by the

middle of the year.

DTS has also extended the date for submitting bids on

selection of international consultants for corporatization of DTS to February 21

as there have been several enquiries. DTS has decided to offer cellular services

in 18 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Bihar, owing to the

large market potential in these States.

According to the DTS Secretary P.S. Saran, DTS is in a

position to provide better services to customers than existing private

competition in Bihar and West Bengal. Among the other major cities to be covered

by the scheme are Madurai, Coimbatore, Vijaywada, Tirupati, Guntur,

Visakhapatnam, Amalpuram, Kakinada, Haldia, Bihar Shariff, Hazipur, Barh, Ara

and Rajgir.

Mr Saran said DTS would also offer long-distance telephone

services using voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) at 25-30 per cent less

compared to conventional long-distance telephony (STD/ISD). He also clarified

that this service should not be confused with Internet-telephony, in which voice

is transmitted through the Net, which is not permitted at present.

The pilot project for cellular services using C-DoT

technology has been initiated at a project cost of Rs 45 crore, which can handle

30,000 lines in the four States. Mr Saran added that DTS has decided to

introduce ATM switches in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Bangalore in

2000-2001. Where, these cities will provide bandwidth on demand apart from other

services such as ADSL and video-conferencing. DTS has also decided to introduce

voice mail service in 2000-2001, covering 54 cities including all state capitals

and major cities.