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After selling its ISP business to VSNL for Rs 270 crore, Dishnet DSL will retain its brand and strengthen its presence in the telecom services and wireless networking business.

V Srinivasan, chief executive officer, Dishnet DSL Ltd told Business Standard, "The ISP business that is now sold to VSNL would fetch a turnover of Rs 160 crore for the fiscal 2003-04. The telecom networking project that we have undertaken for companies like Tata Tele Services Ltd would fetch Rs 20 crore turnover for this year."

Srinivasan said that this service along with the wireless networking business and the implementation of EVDO services in mobile telephony will fetch a topline in excess of its turnover for this fiscal.

EVDO is an upgrade of the Wi-Fi technology and can provide longer, wider coverage of access to the internet through cellphones at speeds of up to 500 kbps.

Unlike Wi-Fi, which has to be used in 'hotspots' or at about 300 feet radius from the transmission station, EVDO can be used sitting in a train or car.)

Srinivasan refrained from projecting Dishnet DSL's turnover for the fiscal 2004-05. He also refused to discuss the workforce status of Dishnet DSL after the sale is completed.

But other sources added that around 200 employees who were not on the rolls of Dishnet DSL but were on deputation would continue to service VSNL.

These 200 were part of the high-turnover customer care department. The deal will leave Dishnet DSL with an estimated 80 full time employees.