TCIL firms up ISP plans; to launch wireless-based Net access

NEW DELHI: The long-awaited Internet services by TCIL will be launched by September. "We have firmed up our plans to launch the Internet service by September and if possible on August 15," TCIL chairman and managing director A.S. Bansal told CNS.

In December 1998, TCIL had initiated its ISP plans forming a joint venture with US-based consultants and gateway providers, JMS Worldwide, called Internet Express. However, the project has been mired in confusion since its inception with the government asking for various clarifications. However, Bansal claims that "TCIL has been able to satisfy the clarifications sought by the government and the project will be cleared soon." The JV currently has two Indian partners including Ircon with 6 per cent; I-Net with 5 per cent and TCIL with 40 per cent while the JMS holds 49 per cent equity. Internet Express holds an A category licence.

While in this confusion what has lost significance is that the JV is planning to provide access that would be wireless. This would be especially beneficial in highly populated areas where one of the bane in accessing Internet is the congestion in the last-mile connectivity. Two things have to be kept in mind while providing alternate access: the deployment has to be fast and it has to be cost-effective. And wireless meets with both the criterion. It can be installed in a couple of day’s time and in highly populated areas, there will be the benefits of economies of scale. However, the company will also provide wireline connectivity in sparsely populated areas. The wireless technology to be deployed has not yet been decided. Mr Bansal said, "We will be deploying a pioneering technology in providing Internet access. JMS is a leading consultant in wireless technology which is primarily the reason for selecting it as the JV partner."