Indian state-run telecom operator BSNL has
postponed the bid for new franchisees to offer WiMAX services on the spectrum
obtained by BSNL, The Hindu Business Line reported on July 16. This is the second
time that BSNL deferred the WiMAX franchise tender, as the telecom was forced
to abort its previous effort in early June on the disqualification of bidders.
Originally the relaunch of tender was pushed back to June 24, but now the plan
has been halted indefinitely.
It is reported that BSNL seeks to settle the
terms and conditions of the tender first. One condition, meanwhile, has already
been clarified. Selected franchisees will not be required to pay a one-time upfront
fee. Instead, franchisees which offer WiMAX services using BSNL's spectrum are
expected to pay over a period of time the costs incurred in acquiring the
frequencies. In addition to the spectrum usage fee, it is understood that selected
franchisees will have to invest in the establishment of WiMAX network and share
future WiMAX revenues with BSNL.