How is the government planning to revive ITI?
We have given a revival plan and it has been approved. We have also received financial assistance from the government. One of the main execution points is to focus on our core competency, i.e., manufacturing. We have rationalized manufacturing in different units and are looking for technology induction. Every plant is looking forward to manufacturing and every plant is specializing in one or more product categories.

What are the factory-wise plan vis-à-vis different technologies?
In Mankapur, we are planning to manufacture GSM BTS' where we have orders from BSNL for supply of GSM infrastructure in the western circle. The capex infrastructure for manufacturing is already in place and we have started action on advanced procurement of components. It is expected that by July, we will commence manufacturing.

Initially, we are planning SKD (semi knock down) but later switching to CKD (completely knock down). We presently have one assembly plant for GSM BTS' but we are also augmenting the capacity in Rae Bareilly, where we are planning for another plant to be operational. The Rae Bareily plant will also manufacture GSM shelters, power plant plus rooftop towers.

We are also planning to manufacture GSM MSC and we are in dialogue with Alcatel. Once it is through, we plan to manufacture it at Palghat. We are also manufacturing OCB-TAX of Alcatel and PoIs (points of interconnect) for various networks. In Palghat, plans are also afoot to manufacture STPs as well as IP-TAX class 5 products in collaboration with Tekelec.

In Naini plant, we are opting for SDH and DWDM manufacturing. In Bangalore, we are looking for CDMA IFWT (integrated fixed wireless telephony) manufacturing. For this we have tied up with ZTE and this would be operational in FY 2005–06. We also manufacture defense products at Bangalore. In Srinagar, we are planning wireline telephone activities.

What is the total expenditure on capex?
As part of the revival package, we have procured capital equipment and augmented existing capacity to cater to future requirements. We are making around Rs 150 crore for capital equipment and if more is required we will generate it from our own resources.

Don't you feel that a manufacturing unit should have its own R&D?
We would be very happy if C-DOT can focus on indigenous R&D and ITI on manufacturing. But C-DOT was not successful on GSM and CDMA technology, so ITI had to opt for technology transfer from multinationals. I agree with the concept that manufacturing unit should have its own R&D, as one can then have full control on the technology.

Page(s)   1  2