BSNL likely to roll out WiMax services next year

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) is likely to roll out its WiMax services early next year.

“We have started the deployment of WiMax on a trial basis in Maharasthra, Guajarat and Andhra Pradesh. So we hope to roll out the services to customers from January in at least one city. Right now, we have not decided on the tariff but they will be at par with the other current broadband offerings,” said a senior BSNL executive. WiMax is a telecommunications technology that provides broadband speed without the need for cables.

“The subscriber equipment cost or the cost of the instrument that facilitates WiMax is still priced at about $175-200 (Rs 8,225-Rs 9,400). So ways and means have to be worked out to offer a feasible tariff,” explained the executive.

BSNL has already kicked off a franchisee model for deployment of the service in rural areas through its deal with US-based Soma Enterprises. It has also floated a tender for 1,000 base transceiver station (BTS). BSNL has rights to 1,000 blocks.“Currently, we are investing about Rs 1,000 crore a year in equipment. We have 32,000 GSM towers and 8,000 WLL towers,” he said.