BSNL’s KLI project tender restricts local players participation: TEPC

Government-supported body TEPC has alleged that a tender floated by state-run BSNL to connect Lakshadweep Islands with Kochi through submarine cable restricts participation of both Indian and foreign companies, except one.

The KLI submarine cable connectivity project was approved by the Cabinet in December 2020 with an outlay of Rs 1,072 crore, and is expected to be completed by May 2023.

The Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC), a body created to support local telecom gear makers, in a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office on August 31 claimed that there are many Indian companies interested in the project and are capable too to execute the project at 30 per cent less price as compared to the foreign vendor NEC which has placed bid for the project.