NEW DELHI: State-owned telecom operator BSNL has invited global CDMA handset makers for tie-ups as it readies plans to launch full-fledged mobile services on this technology platform across the country. The telco, which is currently investing about Rs 2,000 crore on a CDMA network roll-out, will offer bundled handsets.

Its move spells big business opportunities for CDMA majors such as China’s ZTE and Huawei, Samsung, LG, and Nokia, among others. At present, BSNL offers mobile services on the GSM platform across the country, except in Delhi and Mumbai, and has about 38 million customers on this technology platform.

The telecom company does not offer bundled handsets with GSM connections. In a communication to all handset manufacturers, BSNL has said that it will enter into tie-ups at both the national and state level on a non-exclusive basis for CDMA devices. Handset manufacturers have been asked to submit their replies by August 19, along with technical descriptions and the price of the models they plan to offer.

“BSNL will monitor the performance of the handset manufacturer and the arrangement may be terminated if the latter does not meet the requisite standards. The offered (handset) models should be locked for use in BSNL network only. The manufacturer should also offer a 2-year replacement guarantee for all handsets. BSNL reserves the right to functionally test the offered devices.

The responsibility for marketing of the scheme shall be shared by BSNL and handset manufacturer on mutually agreed basis,” the PSU’s communication adds. BSNL has also added that if it receives limited response, then all bidders fulfilling the eligibility criterion will be selected and be allotted circles, zones or even be made pan-India partners.

“In case a large number of players respond, then the evaluation of bidder will done based on the strength of the company (turnover, distribution channel, after-sales centres etc), suitability of offered product (specification, features etc), cost competitiveness etc.,” the BSNL communication said. BSNL’s move to offer full-fledged CDMA services comes even as existing players in this segment such as Reliance Communications and the Tatas are moving to the GSM turf. In the initial stage, BSNL

will limit its CDMA offerings to the top 500 towns and cities across India. Early this year, the government had approved BSNL’s proposal to offer CDMA services and granted it a full-fledged CDMA mobility licence and spectrum to launch services. BSNL is in the process of setting up 10,000 towers for its CDMA networks.