The Hindu Business Line : RCom, Alcatel float venture for managed network services

Mumbai, May 11 Reliance Communications (RCom) and Alcatel-Lucent have joined hands to float a joint venture company that will provide managed network services.

The joint venture will kick start with a contract close to $500 million (Rs 2,000 crore) and will initially focus on providing managed services for RCom’s wireless networks in 12 circles in the north and western regions of the country, it is learnt.

Alcatel-Lucent’s end-to-end network integration capabilities will help RCom increase its competitiveness by reducing operating expense without sacrificing network quality, said sources.

Once RCom’s internal needs are served, the company will eye other operators.

With every circle expected to have at least three-five new operators in the near future, RCom is keen to cash in on the huge demand for network management services, sources said.

Though the holding pattern of both companies in the venture could not be ascertained, its operational control is expected to be vested with Alcatel Lucent.

Managed network services includes services such as voice/data integration, VPN (Virtual Private Network) services, network management, performance management, guaranteed service levels, fault management, change management, configuration management, security (PKI, Firewalls), and application outsourcing.

Sources in the know said that a formal announcement would be made in the next couple of days. The Alcatel spokesperson was not reachable.

Alcatel and RCom have had a long standing relationship. In July last year, RCom had awarded an IP-based $400 million contract to Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade its CDMA and GSM network by adding additional mobile switching centres and base stations.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Sify i-Ways to distribute Reliance Money products

AP Govt invites training partners

Satyam to continue its shopping spree

RCom, Alcatel float venture for managed network services

‘ITeS sector evolving beyond maintenance, processing’

US recession to spur remote infrastructure management industry