Sterlite Optical gets $ 36 mln order from BSNL

New Delhi, Nov 6: Sterlite Optical Technologies (SOT), an integrated manufacturer of optical fibres and telecom cables, today said it has bagged 36-million-dollar contract from state-run telecom firm BSNL for supply of copper telecom cables.

These cables would be used to enhance BSNL's network across the country to provide basic telephony and broadband services, a statement said.

The supplies would be completed within this fiscal. With the award of this contract, the company has over 23 per cent share in the market for copper telecom cables in the country in 2007-08, the statement added.

The Ministry of Telecommunication has declared 2007 as the 'Year of Broadband' and has resolved to make broadband in India further affordable and enable subscribers enter the Information Superhighway.

Broadband services have sparked off a fresh wave in demand for wireline connectivity with leading telecom incumbents in India opting to launch broadband services using the 'ADSL 2+' technology, which has given copper cables a fresh lease of life.

The copper cables are used for the last mile wiring for landline phones while fiber optic cables are used up to the junction box.

UNI