DOT has approved 9 more service providers paving way for them to offer NLD/STD services. Those who got the green signal include, Shipping DOT com of the Essar group, HCL Infinet, Hughes Communications (India), Tulip IT Services, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam, Power Grid Corporation of India, RailTel Corporation of India, Oil India and i2i Enterprises.
It has been speculated that STD/NLD prices may start crashing from there. Earlier this week I reported about the price reduction by Reliance. The entry barriers with regards to fees has been much lower. They now pay just Rs2.5 Crores instead of Rs 100 crores as paid by operators earlier. Also they have furnished lesser bank guarantees. Not all of those who got approved will offer STD services directly to consumers. PSUs like Power Grid, RailTel and Oil India are expected to be B2B carriers.
Hutch and Tata Tele failed to get their applications approved as they didn’t comply with FIPB regulations.
