Government of India

Ministry of communications

Department of Telecom Services

Lok Sabha

• Whether the Department of Telecommunication has finalised the cellular telephone policy of MTNL.
  
  
• If so whether MTNL to going to start its cellular services in Mumbai from August 15th, 2000.
  
  
• If so, the details thereof ;
  
  
• Whether MTNL was to star cellular services in 1999 in Mumbai.
  
  
• If so, the reasons for delay .
  
  
• The details of cost and charges of MTNL for providing cellular services in Mumbai ; and
  
  
• The number of said connections MTNL is expected from Mumbai.

• Sir, A licence has been granted to MTNL by Department of Telecom, the licensing authority for operating cellular services in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai.
  
  
• No, Sir MTNL is not starting its cellular services in Mumbai on 15th August 2000. The service is likely to commence in November 2000.
  
  
• Yes, Sir.
  
  
• The earlier tender for cellular mobile equipment was allowed to lapse as the matter of licence of MTNL for Cellular service was pending in Hon'ble High Court of Delhi, Since, no final verdict from Hon'ble High Court was forthcoming even in the extended period of bid validity and in view of the falling prices of cellular mobile equipment, it was decided that the first tender may be allowed to lapse and fresh tender may be invited after categorical clearance from Hon'ble High Court of Delhi.
  
  
• The charges/tariff for Cellular Mobile Telephone service will be announced after completing the reporting requirement to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).
  
  
• MTNL expects about 50,000 subscribers in Mumbai in the first year of launch of its service while the equipped capacity shall be 100,000 subscribers.