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Telecom firms plan to tap Mauritius lines

Rumi Dutta

Even as the domestic telecom sector is revving up, several Indian telecom companies are eyeing Mauritius where the sector will be opened up by September 2003. At present, Mauritius Telecom is the only service provider in the island nation.

According to Mauritius government officials, domestic majors like Reliance, BPL and Bharti have evinced initial interest in entering the sector. Even software companies such as Satyam Computer and Pentasoft Technologies have signed memorandum of understanding to enter the country.

Dev Chamroo, director (investment promotion), board of investment, Mauritius, said, "We will liberalise the sector next year. Several Indian companies including Reliance and BPL have shown interest. We have also been informed that Bharti Telecom is collaborating with Mauritius Telecom."

While a Reliance spokesperson declined to comment on the issue, the BPL group said it was looking at telecom and communication related consultancy services in Mauritius.

"Reliance is already discussing with the Telecom Authority to work out their project. On the other hand, BPL which is already a roaming service partner of Mauritius Telecom, is bidding to supply telephone sets and solutions to Mauritius Telecom, while the possibility of setting up an after sales service is also being considered," Chamroo added.

Also, according to Chamroo, many have urged that the telecom sector in Mauritius be opened up much before September 2003.

"In software, Satyam and Pentasoft will set up training and development centres, while Infosys has already been allotted 20 acres of land," Chamroo added.

Information and communication technology is the priority area identified by the Mauritius government and is expected to play a lead role in the economic development of the country in the medium and long terms.

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