"If the government auctions more than 5 blocks of 3G spectrum, say up to 10 blocks, then the penetration of 3G will be higher and it will be difficult for any WiMAX operator to match the penetration."

On impact of global slowdown on telecom sector

The telecom sector is not at all being adversely affected by global slowdown from services standpoint. In fact, telecom sector is in a growth mode as more companies today are getting into cost rationalization and looking at telecom services like video conferencing and audio conferencing for better productivity and reducing costs. TTSL will, clearly, not be impacted by the global slowdown.

On TTSL tapping into rural market

Rural market is the most untapped market as far as Internet is concerned due to lack of vernacular services. The issue of language is applicable to all markets, not just rural. We already provide news and applications in 11 languages on common CDMA mobile phones. TTSL also has a vibrant IVR service in languages. These will use the language capability to target rural customers with relevant content. 3G will ring in for both urban and semi-rural areas. The key application in 3G networks, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, will be basic broadband access. The Next Generation technology can enable roll-out of a few applications particularly relevant to the rural markets in India. These are:

On delay in 3G auction and your plans for 3G presence

World over, 3G telecom services are redefining the telecom experience for millions of subscribers and according to industry estimates, 3G-subscriber base is expected to reach a whopping figure of over 540 million in 2010. The early uptake of 3G in Europe was low, with high device costs and a high priced service. But this has grown since and the Indian 3G release will benefit from affordable devices and established scale volumes.

3G will enable operators to offer a number of value-added services such as video calling, video streaming, music downloads, efficient mobile navigation, etc. 3G also promises higher speed internet and corporate data base connectivity for mobile access on laptops and PDAs.

3G will play an important role in the Indian market as there are more providers of 3G networks. If the government auctions more than 5 blocks of 3G spectrum, say up to 10 blocks, then the penetration of 3G will be higher and it will be difficult for any WiMAX operator to match the penetration.

The government has recently announced the 3G guidelines and identified bands for spectrum allocation through auction. We will participate in the auction process as and when the spectrum is available in identified bands and the government calls for the bid. Our experience with better data services on CDMA leaves us better prepared to leverage 3G.

On partnership with NSN for GSM rollout

As TTSL gears up for GSM launch, the need of the hour is to provide quick time-to-market services that ensure better network quality and uptime. In keeping with this mission, we feel suitably aligned to Nokia Siemens Networks, which, with its massive services set-up in the country can provide us the required support. Backed by experience of more than 200 managed services contracts worldwide, serving a subscriber base in excess of 190 million, not to mention its global delivery capabilities, Nokia Siemens Networks will launch TTSL's GSM services seamlessly and in a quick and efficient manner. In addition to its proven service record, Nokia Siemens Networks was selected on the basis of its mobile soft switching solution, its Home Location Register, based on its advanced Subscriber Data Management platform and the market leading energy-efficient Flexi Base Station. Underscoring its faith in Nokia Siemens Networks, TTSL will also deploy the company's packet core solution, including the Flexi Intelligent Service Node for all 22 circles in the country, enabling it to offer ubiquitous mobile Internet access across subscriber segments.

On strategic advantages of association with DoCoMo

DoCoMo is extremely experienced in 3G and future technologies. We would certainly like to assimilate the same and deploy it for the benefit of Indian customers. DoCoMo will help take TTSL's network on par with international standards. Also, TTSL would launch differentiated products such as i-mode, m-wallet and many similar products for the benefit of Indian customers. TTSL will closely work with the DoCoMo team to develop handsets, while analyzing areas where joint synergies would result in better performance of the company. DoCoMo would bring in expertise on W-CDMA and all future technologies to TTSL when required. Furthermore, DoCoMo will participate in management optimization project (Sankalp), which TTSL has already begun, and promote further operative efficiency in the company.

On your expansion plans

We recently became a pan-India operator with the launch of services in Assam, the rest of the North East, and Jammu & Kashmir Circles. Going forward, we are looking to expanding our network presence across the country on the CDMA platform. Also, as already announced, we will be launching GSM services through the year in the circles where we have received spectrum. In both these tasks, our partnership with NTT DOCOMO will stand us in great stead in terms of offering differentiated products and services. Similarly, DOCOMO's assistance will be a great plus on the 3G front, given that they are among the world's best on that platform.