MP to get rural connectivity through Wimax tech

Chennai-based Teledata Informatics Ltd has planned to invest approximately Rs 150 crore in Madhya Pradesh for creating communication infrastructure for rural connectivity.

The company plans to use Wimax (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) technology for the project. The company has started preparing a detailed project report (DPR) and the first phase is expected to be completed by the end of this month. It has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government.

"Initially the point of contact will be shown by creating 200 connections in a few blocks of the state. After successful demonstration, the exact bandwidth need of all government departments will be gauged and based upon that, all blocks of the state will be covered. The expected investment is around Rs 150 crore. Since the project involves civil work and the quantity of certain equipment depends on the exact location and geography, the correct investment can be arrived only after the DPR, followed by the financial closure of the project," K Padmanabhan, managing director of the company, said.

"The DPR will be completed by the time the initial 200 connections are established, which will be three months from the date of completion of the first phase of the DPR. The company has already started the DPR phase for the initial 200 connections and this phase expected to be completed by January 31," he added.

An IT department official said: "We want delivery points through private IT firms in rural areas where demand can be diverted to manufacturing companies and products can be delivered through these delivery points or point of contacts. We hope the company will be able to provide better connectivity to rural Madhya Pradesh. We will extend all possible support to the company."

Teledata has obtained approval from the state government and a land area has been identified. "We are in the process of submitting an application to the government for the land," said Padmanabhan.

"The project is expected to create jobs for around 500 technicians directly and more than 2,500 indirectly. The entire project is expected to be in 9-12 months," he added.