7 MTNL projects running behind schedule

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Even as private telecom operators are ramping up and expanding their network, subscribers of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd may have to wait to taste the benefits of technology with seven of the state-owned company's major projects running behind schedule.

The projects, whose completion has been delayed, include MTNL's expansion plans in the broadband network, GSM cellular segment, CDMA mobile services, leased line project, switching projects and deployment of convergent billing solutions.

For instance, MTNL's plan to offer its fixed line telephone subscribers value added services similar to mobile phones through intelligent networks has been delayed due to supply from the vendor. MTNL has also blamed the vendor for not being able to configure the new intelligent equipment for inter-working with existing equipment. The convergent billing solutions project, which would offer a single bill to customers for all telecom needs such as mobile, broadband and fixed line telephone is also delayed till March 2007. MTNL officials said that the delays were not affecting the subscribers, as the existing capacities were enough and parts of the new projects were in place. The GSM project, which envisaged additional capacity of 8,00,000 each in Delhi and Mumbai will now be completed by September 2006. The CDMA project of 8,00,000 new lines is likely to be completed by December 2006. On the broadband front MTNL's 5,10,000 line expansion plan is running behind schedule.

Taken from Business Line

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