VSNL JV with Puncom

MUMBAI, May 12: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd VSNL has entered into an agreement with Punjab Communications Ltd Puncom, which will allow the latter to provide a portfolio of VSNL services in the Punjab region.

As per the agreement, Puncom will initially provide international private leased circuits, leased and dial-up Internet connections and other value-added services to subscribers in the Chandigarh region. These services will later be extended to Ludhiana, Phagwara, Gobindhgarh and others in two phases. In the first phase, VSNL8217;s services will be provided to subscribers within a radius of 50 kms from Mohali through a point to multi-point radio network and point to point links. These services are expected to be made available within four weeks.

In the second phase, facilities at Mohali will be linked to the upcoming VSNL international gateway at Jalandhar, which is due to be commissioned in March 1999, thereby covering all the important areas of Punjab.