What is the contribution of Sloka Telecom towards the growth of broadband?
Sloka Telecom has forayed at a right time, when India has thrown up tremendous demand. India has a huge subscriber base but broadband penetration is very small.
We are lagging behind in terms of broadband penetration compared to Russia, China, Vietnam or any other countries. To reach Vietnam's position in broadband penetration, we need to reach out to 3 or 4% of population but we currently stand at 0.4% penetration.
Though wireline was in place it lacked the capacity for exponential growth. Wireless has exponential growth potential. After establishing infrastructure, it will add new subscribers and also help in reducing the cost. Wireless will enhance broadband penetration. India will pick it up
Sloka offers right kind of products suitable for emerging markets like India in terms of price, compact devices, its stability to deploy, low opex, factors of deployment. These things together we have appropriate products like base stations, consumer products, and management software solutions.
We offer WiMax fixed/ nomadic solutions; WiMax backhaul links for wireless internet service providers, base stations, subscriber stations, authentication authorization and accounting servers, and network management system solutions. We also serve broadband voice and video applications.
What are your objectives?
Sloka Telecom aims to be a leader in radio access solutions in India and other emerging markets. Our main focus of product development is to keep the equipment very compact and at low cost. Long-term goal is to become a well established radio access player.
Being an entrepreneur, what according to you are the critical requirements for the success of a new technology?
Wish anyone knew the answer (smiles). I believe 3 components will add value towards the success of a new technology or product-firstly, a major breakthrough; secondly, a tangible improvement in terms of technology. Products or technology should come with a price which is affordable. It should come at a price for which the customer is ready to pay. Specially for Indian market cost plays a major role. For instance, the failure of Motorola's satellite phones. Cellular phones were cheaper and consumed less power. Satellite was a superior technology from technical perspective but from market perspective it failed. Market should believe that this solution or a product will create a big difference. And if he believes in it he will invest. Investment should also be affordable.
Lastly, the acceptance from an ecosystem (a combination of industry bodies, research bodies) is also very important. If ecosystem does not pay attention then the technology will not come to market. For example, HDTV versus Blu Ray.
Malini N
malinin@cybermedia.co.in
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