Sistema Shyam launches CDMA services in Kolkata

KOLKATA, INDIA: Telecom operator Sistema Shyam Teleservices, a joint venture between Russia's Sistema and India's Shyam group, launched its CDMA services for the West Bengal circle, and said it would invest $150 million in this telecom service area over the next four years.

The company had earlier launched CDMA services in the Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Rajasthan circles and is planning to launch its services in Delhi by August.

Sistema Shyam has invested $80 million in the Kolkata and West Bengal service areas so far, said company president and chief executive Vsevolod Rozanov at the launch of the service here.

'Our current investment in the state is approximately $80 million. We plan to invest around $150 million in the next three-four years,' Rozanov added.

The company, which has earmarked $5.5-billion for investment in India, plans to spend about $600-700 million by the end of this year.

Sistema Shyam was granted licences and spectrum last year to provide CDMA mobile services in 22 circles last year.