Mtnl To Adopt Will Technology

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has settled for the wireless in local loop (Will) technology developed by the American company Qualcomm to modernise and strengthen its network in the capital.

Based on the code division multiple access (CDMA), the technology would supplement the existing cable network making the job easier for the department, MTNL chairman and managing director S Rajagopalan said. Rajagopalan, who assumed charge as CMD earlier this month, said the department would be acquiring around 1000 sets initially. and test the new technology on an experimental basis.

He said the sets, to be supplied to individual subscribers, are quite expensive adding it may be as costly as cellular phones.

 

However, he clarified that will technology would not be exclusive from the basic service of the MTNL, adding that the system would be fully integrated with the regular network.

The CDMA technology developed by Qualcomm is mired in controversy ever since media reports suggested that it had failed the test carried out by the Telecom Engineering Centre (REC).

Conceding that the consumers are not entirely satisfied with the services offered by MTNL, Rajagopalan said, Technology upgradation, especially the subscriber network, and customer satisfaction are two areas which need to be addressed immediately.

Consumer satisfaction which should be the cutting edge of the department is not up to the mark. Im trying as much as possible to reduce harassment and difficulties faced by the consumers, he said.

Attitudinal changes have to be brought about among the members of the staff at every level. He said and cautioned if we dont do well we shall lose business.

The department will have to concentrate on improving its services without losing any more time he said adding otherwise MTNL is bound to lose business once the competitors come into play in the basic services.

To improve customer services, he hinted at empowering the counter level and executive level employees with proper checks and balances.

For enhancing the efficiency the department is planning to computerise the entire operations and for this purpose MTNL has planned to invest Rs 20 crore on information technology during 1997-98.

The proposed investment has been doubled from last year, Rajagopalan said adding that, however, it was not adequate.

MTNL is already going ahead with another technology with optical fibre in local loop (Fill) which was undertaken on experimental basis recently in the Connaught Place area.

It will be extended to two more areas in the capital, Nehru Place and Chanakyapuri, he said.

Regarding availability of phones, he said that the concept of waiting list will be over soon and telephone will be on demand in the capital.