India's MTNL Invites Bidders to Manage its WiMAX Network

India's state-owned MTNL has published the tender for companies to set up and manage its planned WiMAX networks in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai. The operator is offering bidders a six-year franchise operation on a revenue sharing basis.

"The bidder shall jointly work with MTNL for working out strategies for advertising, marketing and promoting the broadband services, which shall carried out under the MTNL brand. Sales and marketing and verification of customer's bonafide will be the prime responsibility of the bidder," the tender document, posted to MTNL's website said.

Although MTNL will require minimum revenues from the outside operator, it will also have the final say on the tariffs that can be set by the franchise.

Currently, both BSNL and MTNL have been granted WiMAX licenses in advance of an auction to private companies. The auction will occur just after the oft-delayed 3G license sales are completed.

Last month, the operator invited outside companies to bid to take over its poorly performing 3G network in the two cities for the next ten year - also on a franchise based revenue share.

Posted to the site on 9th August 2009