JTM, TCL to share network

BANGALORE, June 20: JT Mobile Ltd is in talks with Tata Communications Ltd TCL, the mobile phone operator in Andhra Pradesh, to share cellular backbone network on revenue sharing basis. Currently, Tata Communications has 22,000 subscribers and JT Mobiles some 20,000 subscribers in Andhra Pradesh.

According to Frank D Hough, president of JT Mobile, once the deal is finalised, it will help both the cellular companies to minimise their operational costs. The proposed partnership may lead to sharing other related infrastructure as well. JTM also has initiated negotiations with Spice Telecom, another operator in Karnataka, for the same purpose. Hough said during the current fiscal, the company expects a subscriber base of one lakh in its circle 8211; 60,000 from Karnataka and 40,000 from Andhra Pradesh. In Karnataka alone, the company8217;s subscriber base has touched more than 30,000 last fiscal.

The company is planning to spread its wings in the state with the setting up of regional hubs in major locations.