WiMAX’s success will ultimately hinge on broadband cost for customers

In my view, WiMax as IP based wireless broadband technology has the potential both for backhaul and last mile access, with the promise of fast and cost effective roll -out. The WiMax forum is putting in efforts to standardise global profiles. Yet, I feel that its deployment is in the nascent stages. The hype associated with it has to become a reality. The new features and mobility in versions like 802.16e are going to give it a definitive edge.

In India, trials have already begun in 3.3 Ghz band. The real success of WiMAX technology will depend on the cost at which broadband will be available to customers. The cost of devices at the customer end and the quality of mobility will be two important factors for its success. It will also find its usage in e-service kiosks, tele-education, tele-health and enterprise broadband. However, the tele-density growth targets set by the Government will be met by the existing cellular mobile technologies for quite some time. WiMax is likely to form a significant portion of wireless broadband solutions. In our context the real significant numbers, touching a few tens or more millions could be a reality by 2011-12.

India is the world’s fastest growing telecom service market. Do you think India can become an R&D and manufacturing hub in telecom?

The unprecedented growth rate in India’s telecom sector has already attracted global attention. India still has very large untapped areas for coverage, capacities and new services. The world has started seeing India not only for investments in provisioning telecom services but the large scope of manpower potential in both R&D and manufacturing. Once this view is taken, the numbers for both local consumption and for the global market together can make it attractive. The Planning Commission has listed many R&D areas and manufacturing possibilities in its approach paper for the Telecom Plan.

Regarding R&D, we have to excel in basic culture, understanding, retention and exploitation of IPRs and patents for national advantage. The Government has taken initiatives in this direction by promoting SEZs, giving incentives in taxes and duties, and bringing R&D institutions, academia and industry together. Global players are setting up back-end technology research centres in India. The concept of contract manufacturing too has been introduced. The PPP(Public Private Partnership) model is converging to PPPP( Promoted Purposeful Progressive Projects).

What is the focus of C-DOT?

Our current area of focus is Network Management Systems, Operation Support Systems, Intelligent Services, Enhancement & Up-gradation of deployed systems, broadband ATM technologies and supported services and technologies for Law Enforcement Agencies. We are using technologies like VOIP, OSS, Wireless and IP-based systems developed by us.

We have done good work in satellite, high capacity optical fibres and rural wireless systems, which has resulted in field deployed pilots, including those for the North-Eastern areas. We have developed WiMax solutions in a joint venture with Alcatel.

The key challenges before us are relevant and sustained growth in a highly competitive market, as well as keeping pace with fast changing technologies, delivering timely solutions on projects of national importance, and creating environment for attracting and retaining good manpower in the era of high monetary expectations. We are taking some time to carefully review the strategy for placing new manpower and existing skills in appropriate programmes.