I-Spatial bags BSNL broadband services project

NEW DELHI: Bangalore-based I-Spatial has won the BSNL tender to provide broadband services riding on the PSU's network. It has already started two pilot projects at Jadavpur telephone exchange near Kolkata and Ghaziabad near Delhi to demonstrate its offerings. Offerings include fast Internet access at 128 KBPS, video and movies on demand, and games.



Although the response from users is said to be overwhelming, users currently do not pay for the services. A soft launch is expected within two weeks whereby users would be required to pay a small fee. BSNL officials expect a full-scale commercial launch by March 31 in Calcutta, Pune and Bangalore. The services would be extended to Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh by the end of August. BSNL has invited expression of Interest from other service providers for other towns and cities, and this would be finalized in the next couple of months.


"Details of the revenue sharing between BSNL and I-Spatial are being worked on", said, Pradeep Nagpal, Deputy Director General of New Services at BSNL. I-Spatial would use BSNL's network like any other user but would be allowed to provide services in the last mile. According to Nagpal, ADSL is the last mile technology being deployed at the two pilot projects.


With competition from private telecom service providers heating up, BSNL has to look at newer avenues to supplement its income. This arrangement is expected to be win-win for both BSNL and I-Spatial. While BSNL would leverage on its existing infrastructure, I-Spatial would have the freedom to provide a bouquet of services to the captive customer base of 35 million BSNL customers. According to an initial survey done by I-Spatial, video on demand and gaming are expected to be the two most popular services on broadband.


I-Spatial has aligned with a host of international service providers to bring in the best of breed services. It has tied up with Nortel, Minerva Networks, nCube and Paradyne Network for various aspects in the delivery process. Billing and collection would be undertaken by BSNL.