MTNL, BSNL tie up for new submarine cable system

Mumbai: State telecom companies Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) are jointly laying a new submarine cable system that will connect India to Southeast Asia and the Middle East, information and communications minister Dayanidhi Maran said at the inauguration of the Reliance Communication's Falcon submarine cable system.

The new system will provide international bandwidth for the two telecom majors and cater to other commercial requirements, he said, adding, "The India-Sri Lanka submarine cable project by BSNL is on the verge of being launched."

The ultimate intent of this cable system was to extend to the US and Europe. He said the Middle East countries could help bring down the landing costs of submarine cable, which will eventually lead to lower bandwidth prices.

Bandwidth is the key element for international connectivity for voice telephony and providing seamless connectivity to the software and BPO sector.