BT gets nod for NLD, ILD licences

The department of telecom has issued letters of intent to BT for national and international long distance services for offering managed services to corporate customers having sites in India.

Once granted, these licences would enable BT's joint venture company, BT Telecom India Pvt Ltd to provide services directly to multi-site corporate customers here.

Earlier, DoT had sought certain clarifications from BT since the application before the Foreign Investment Promotion Board was in its foreign partner's name, BT Global Communications (Mauritius).

Once the licences are fully operational, BT would offer both domestic and international managed services to corporate customers who have sites in India. BT would also be able to provide these companies with virtual private network-based services using technologies such as ATM and internet protocol-based multi-protocol label switching.

BT Global Services CEO Andy Green said, "This is an extremely positive step forward. These licences would enable us to roll out our full product range in India, and for the first time, provide service directly to our customers, increasing responsiveness and service levels further".

With headquarters located in Delhi, BT has been present in India since 1987. Currently, it provides managed services through its duly licenced partner in India.

In November, BT had filed for national and international long distance licences with the DoT through its joint venture company BT Telecom India Pvt Ltd.

The JV was set up with Delhi-based Jubilant Enpro Pvt Ltd, engaged in the businesses of oil and gas, food and services. AT&T, the US based operator has also been issued ILD and NLD licences.