We’ve developed NG1-next-generation wireless access technology

This is the most spectrum-efficient and environment-friendly technology and has features that make it the most cost-effective solution for varied services
Even before launching operations in India, Vavasi Telegence Pvt Ltd has created waves. The company has developed a new technology, which promises to provide high-speed data and voice services. In an interview with Manoj Gairola, the managing director of Vavasi Telegence Farid Arifuddin talks about his vision in the telecom sector and his plans in India. Excerpts:
The current controversy between GSM and CDMA players is for a greater share of the spectrum. Do you see any solution to this problem?
I wouldn’t know exactly what the solution would be like, but I think the first step has been taken by the Government to evolve a scientific and objective correlation between the spectrum allocation, its usage and the user base. There is no doubt that a turf war kind of environment has been created by a few players with vested interests to stymie and delay the process so that that an actual competitive environment is not created to protect the turf.
Even though India is adding the highest number of mobile subscribers every month, there is a big digital divide. A large part of the country is still untouched by the telecom revolution. How can we provide connectivity to everyone?
This is indeed an unfortunate reality that stares us in the face. We cannot afford to have an incorporative developmental agenda. While the urban teledensity is over 60 per cent and the rural teledensity is less than 3 per cent. This anomalous distortion has to be immediately checked and that can only be done through an environment that is competitive both in terms of price and technology.
What can be the role of government and private players in bridging digital divide?
The Government can only play an enabling role by allowing and stimulating a competitive environment between the operators and the technologies. The Government should endeavour to optimise the utilisation of spectrum efficient technologies while simultaneously striving to enable operators to provide efficient services at affordable costs to ensure that every citizen comes under the realm of connectivity.
Can good telecom penetration lead to development of an economically backward area?
Efficient and affordable teleconnectivity will become the stimulant and act as a force multiplier in enhancing economic activity in the remotest and most backward parts of this country. There is no doubt that an efficient communication system is an important tool in the process of development and governance. Moreover, an effective connectivity in the last mile could ensure uniform and efficient delivery of services particularly in areas of health, education etc.
What is the technology you have developed? When GSM and CDMA are already present, what is the rational for developing new technology?
We have developed the next-generation wireless access technology called NG1. This was originally conceptualised as a PhD program in the US. The network architecture of this technology is state-of-the-art and is based on IP. This platform can deliver both voice and high-speed mobile data simultaneously with several applications that have multi-dimensional ramifications. This is the most spectrum efficient and environment-friendly technology among the available (and likely to be available) ones. Apart from being spectrum efficient, we have the unique advantage to enable a large coverage area while we simultaneously cater to more subscribers within a cell site. These features make it the most cost-effective solution for the delivery of services.
Does your technology promise to bring telecom revolution in India?
We earnestly believe so, because with the advantages we have in terms of technological superiority, we have a competitive edge and we intend to pass it on to our consumers both in terms of price and product advantages. Since we have a fully IP-based network architecture, with far less infra requirement, rollout time is shorter and can be far more efficient. Moreover, India has not been able to have any significant say in the technological evolution so far. This could bring about a paradigm shift in the long-term evolution of the telecom sector.
Do you plan to manufacture in India?
We have established a strategic relation with MACIL of Bangalore. We are now working out an action plan with MACIL to stimulate the establishment of a formidable manufacturing base here in India.
Your investment plan in India?
The business plan is for the establishment of a 100-million line network by 2012. This will be accomplished with a capital cost of approximately Rs 25,000 crore.
By Manoj Gairola
Source: indianexpress.com