Chennai, Mar 12: Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL) has emerged a strong bidder in a Rs 1600-crore telecom tender floated by the Malaysia government.The tender envisages conversion of the existing wireline network into a wireless network (Wireless in Local Loop or WLL systems).
The government-owned ECIL, which is a licensee of the indigenously developed DECT-based WLL system, had participated in the tender earlier this year.The tender conditions stipulate that 40 per cent of the infrastructure -- materials and manpower -- should be sourced from Malaysia.
It also stipulates that any of the companies bidding for the contract would have to have a tie-up with a Malaysian company.
ECIL already has a tie-up with Rapscon, a Malaysian firm, for selling X-ray systems. The company had bid for the telecom tender under the existing tie-up with Rapscon. ECIL has agreed to the stipulations placed and has emerged a strong contender for the project, said the sources.
Other bidders include the US telecom giant AT&T which is also rumoured to be a favourite. The tender is by far the largest in the Asian region for WLL systems and, hence, competition from the international firms is reported to be strong.
Official sources said the ECIL bid was considered seriously due to two points--its applicability in the rural scenario and the economic viability of the system. ECIL officials are currently in Malaysia for negotiations. If the company bags the contract, it would seem to be a recognition for the indigenous DECT technology.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
