One97 pilots video portal for BSNL 3G services in Gujarat

With the state-owned BSNL having launched its 3G services in Gujarat, leading value added services (VAS) provider One97 Communications Limited is conducting a pilot test for video portal VAS in the state. Once implemented the service will provide subscribers in Gujarat an opportunity to view and download videos from the latter’s portal.

“We are conducting a pilot test with BSNL in Gujarat on its 3G network for video portal services. While the services are yet to be rolled out commercially, the video portal will allow 3G subscribers on BSNL network to view and download videos and movies at high streaming speed,” said Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CMD and founder, One97 Communications Limited.

One97 develops and purchases content and applications, provides the relevant platform for delivery of products and services and integrate these products and services with the core network elements of telecom service providers.

According to Sharma, the applications utilise interactive voice response (IVR) system or voice, Short Message Services (SMS), Unstructured Supplementary Services Data (USSD) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology to deliver products and services. The focus of the network services is to assist telecom service providers in enhancing network efficiency and improving their revenues and profitability by delivering innovative solutions that enhance their subscribers’ experiences.

In a bid to enhance its offerings including network based VAS as well as consumer and enterprise based services, the company is also planning to raise '120 crore through an initial public offering (IPO).

The company offers products and services to 11 leading telecom operators such as Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, Tata Indicom, MTNL, BSNL, Etisalat and Aircel, apart from one telecom service provider in Afghanistan, one in Nigeria and one in Bangladesh. However, the company also looking at other countries. “While we are present in Nigeria, we intend to expand our network to other African countries as well as European and South East Asian countries,” Sharma added.

Set up in 2001, One97 Communications now witnesses 53 per cent of business from network based services, 36 from consumer based and 11 per cent from enterprises. As on December 2009, the company’s turnover was around ' 86 crore.