BSNL to use GSM tech for fixed wireless phones

Dealing a blow to CDMA technology, state-run BSNL has decided to include GSM-based services in its fixed wireless phone (FWP) offerings.

BSNL already offers fixed wireless terminals (FWTs) in urban as well as rural areas using CDMA technology. It is, however, not yet clear if BSNL would completely switch to GSM for its FWP service or offer both GSM and CDMA-based fixed wireless services simultaneously.

Recently, Airtel kicked off their FWP using GSM technology under their licence areas and is targeting fixed line customers with very aggressive tariffs, BSNL said in a letter to its field units.

BSNL's proposal was discussed during a management meeting held on July 27. It was decided BSNL too should introduce fixed phones under GSM technology, the letter said.

BSNL has asked its field units to communicate the requirement for fixed cellular terminals in order to provide phone lines in GSM coverage areas on demand.

Reliance Communication and Tata Teleservices' CDMA-based fixed wireless telephones have almost a million subscribers across the country.

FWP is a fixed line telephone, with the added facility of it being wireless. FWPs have bulkier terminals like that of a wire line phone but the utility is like that of a mobile phone. FWP is considered a mobile phone service for regulatory purposes.