$2bln in row for telecom manufacturing sector by '07: Maran

New Delhi, Dec 14 (UNI) Telecom industry expects an investment of two billion dollars by the end of 2007 in the manufacturing sector, Communications and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran said today.

''We expect fresh commitment of about two billion dollars in the next year or so in telecom manufacturing itself,'' Mr Maran told reporters here at the 'India Telecom 2006', an international conference and exibition.

By 2010 the growth targets would result in an investment of about 20 billion dollars, he added.

The Minister said Telecom Department has set a target of 250 million phones by the end of next year and 500 million by 2010.

The minister also sought support from the private telecom players.

Commenting on the unconnected parts of the country, Mr Maran said ''India would have 50 million rural connections by 2007 and 80 million connections by 2010.'' He reiterated his commitment to reduce the urban-rural digital divide from present 25:1 to 5:1 by 2010.

UNI SBA SRS ND1938