Global telecom gear makers, such as Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung, can now bid for a portion of BSNL’s upcoming 4G tender without having any hindrance as the government has dropped a essential clause. Sources mentioned firms interested in the project need to have not deposit their supply code for core and radio network in an escrow account as was earlier expected.
Though most Indian players who have firmed up plans to bid for BSNL’s tender beneath a technique integrator model, also wanted the clause to be removed, it opens the field for international players also. Generally, international players do not want to deposit their supply code in any escrow account as it is a proprietary technologies and thus, poses a company threat. The Indian firms had also sought the removal of this clause due to the fact beneath the technique integrator model they would also need to have to supply the code from some international vendor. Since the international vendors work with many players, they typically do not agree to deposit their supply code with any third party.
As reported earlier by FE, the division of telecommunications (DoT) has offered its nod to BSNL, which has been authorized by the empowered technologies group (ETG) also, to split its tender for rollout of 4G services into two components. The organization had recommended that as portion of the split, Part A comprising 50,000 internet sites must be strictly reserved for domestic vendors. In parallel it must be permitted to float an additional tender – Part B – for the remaining 50,000 internet sites which must be like the usual tender exactly where international businesses like Nokia, Ericsson and other folks could participate.
With the depositing of the supply code in an escrow account no longer mandatory even international firms like Nokia, Ericcson or Samsung can now participate in Part A of the tender for radio network. Earlier they would have required to deposit the supply code to develop into eligible on which they have been not keen. BSNL has been concerned more than the delay in finalising the 4G tender which is more than a year behind schedule.
The organization had expressed its inability to meet some of the onerous circumstances advised by a government-appointed committee with regard to providing preference to domestic vendors in constructing the network.