India's BSNL re-issues WiMAX franchise tenders

After scrapping its planned WiMAX tender amid controversy, India's Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has introduced a new tender that includes tighter financial conditions.

The original tender was the subject of criticism as BSNL was charged with not being transparent enough in its bidding process to select its WiMAX franchise partners, which will help the operator roll out WiMAX across India in the 2.5 GHz band. More than 20 companies had bid to become WiMAX franchises. At least five of the companies, however, were shams.

The operator submitted an Expressions of Interest (EOI) invitation for bids to offer service based on mobile WiMAX technology in 16 license areas across India. BSNL said each bidder must have a turnover of at least $21 million for the last two financial years.

For more:
- see telecoms.com

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