Sistema launches TN operations

Sistema Shyam Teleservices, a JV between telecom equipment manufacturer and service provider Shyam Group and Russian telecom company Sistema SSA, on Thursday commenced operations in Tamil Nadu. The company plans to enter Kerala next week.

The operator, which launched its service in Rajasthan in October last year, is planning to invest around $5.56 billion in India, said Vsevolod Rozanov, president and chief executive officer, SSTL. The company offers CDMA-based mobile services and has licences and spectrum to operate in 22 circles across the country. It is planning to provide its services in 28 states in phases by launching service in one circle a month.

In Tamil Nadu, the company would initially offer services in 373 towns and later in 500 towns in a phased manner, said Srinivasa Rao Saripalli, chief operating officer, MTS - Tamil Nadu circle. The company has also tied up with Hinduja Global Solutions, part of Hinduja Group, to offer call centre support services for its customers. The call centre will be located at Chennai.