(a) whether Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) is considering to enter the national long distance communications arena;
(b) whether VSNL had applied for licence to enter the national long distance communications arena;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether VSNL is also considering to tie-up with an existing infrastructure provider for leasing the requisite infrastructure to enter the national long distance communications arena; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 154 FOR 28TH NOVEMBER, 2001 REGARDING VIDESH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED.
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. VSNL is considering to enter the National Long Distance Service and has applied for a licence on 2nd November, 2001.
(d) & (e): Yes, Sir. VSNL is in the process of finalising tie-up with infrastructure provider for getting transmission capacity over the domestic long distance network.