India would require huge investment in telecommunication sector

Singapore, June 23 (UNI) Union Minister of Communications and Informational Technology Dayanidhi Maran today said India would need 40 billion dollars investment in its telecommunication sector by 2010.

''In the next five years, it is expected that the number of telephone connections would be about 800 million. The requirement of additional investment would be about 30 billion dollar,'' he told Singapore businessmen here at a talk organised by the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Institute of South Asia Studies.

He disclosed that the Indian government had set a target to have 250 million telephone connections by 2007, taking the tele-density to 22 per cent from 150 million connections and tele-density of 13 per cent for now.

By next year, 70 per cent of the landmass would be covered by telecom network and connectivity would be provided to all the villages, said Mr Maran, who is on an official visit to Singapore to promote IT and Communication businesses.

In 2007, broadband and internet users were expected to reach nine million and 18 million mark, respectively. This would require 15 billion dollar of new investments, he added, pointing out that the broadband and internet users would increase to 20 million and 40 million by 2010.

The minister also highlighted the huge potential of exporting India made telephone and communication equipment to Asia Pacific.

''The combined domestic and export volumes can offer a tremendous potential for telecom manufacturing,'' said Mr Maran, adding that India would be able to become a regional hub for telecom manufacturing.

Mr Maran has also held a series of meetings with Singapore Ministers and officials on further strengthening trade and bilateral telecom business.

UNI XC SK DS1615