MoP - Ministry of Power

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market through convergence of power and telecom sector
by making available a cost effective, high quality telecom
infrastructure on its existing and planned transmission
infrastructure and “to create value” for its business. Thus,
to exploit the synergy of transmission business with
advantages of inherent communication infrastructure,
POWERGRID diversified into Telecom business.
POWERGRID is in unique advantageous position in the
telecom industry as it is establishing its broadband optical
network on its overhead transmission lines, which is sturdy,
secure and free from any interference by pests or vandalism.
This is obvious because the optical network would run along
with EHV power transmission lines which would be impossible
to interfere with. On the other hand, other telecom players
are establishing underground networks, which could suffer
from problems of interference, deliberate or otherwise. Added
to this, POWERGRID has provided overhead links with self
resilient rings to ensure highest availability of the network.
Out of the total planned telecom network of 20,660 Kms,
POWERGRID has already established a network of over
19,800 Kms (As on October, 2007) and enroute has
connected all the metros and major cities viz Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, Kolkotta, Bangalore, Hyderabad etc. rural and
remote areas in the country.
It is worth mentioning that POWERGRID connectivity covers
remote areas and other cities in various regions, which will
be of strategic interest to various telecom players viz.
North-Eastern; Agartala, Guwahati, Imphal, Itanagar,
Kohima, Shillong, Tezpur, etc.
Northern: Jammu, Pathankot, Srinagar, Udhampur,
Ambala, Chandigarh, Jallandhar, etc.
Western: Bhopal, Indore, Nagpur, Jabalpur etc.
Southern: Cochin, Trivenderum, Trichur, Coimbatore
etc.
The complete network is expected to be fully operational
soon.
POWERGRID has deployed state-of-the-art Dense Wave
Division Multiplexing (DWDM)/ Synchronous Digital
Hierarchy (SDH) technology and is utilizing the latest G 652
fibres for its Optical Fiber Composite Overhead Ground Wire
(OPGW) which is installed on Extra High Voltage (EHV)
400/220 KV transmission lines. The deployment of flexible
network architecture of high capacity DWDM/ SDH is
compatible with all the upper layer equipment including
Infrastructure Provider (IP) routers, Asynchronous Transfer
Mode (ATM) equipment etc. and can be integrated with the
system. The network is scalable from present capacity of
120 Gbps to 15 Terabit capacity and is capable of both Layer
1 - DWDM/ SDH and Layer 2 - switching using Ethernet
over SDH. The network supports Ethernet over DWDM/
SDH on fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet levels. The
bandwidth capacity can be enhanced to terabit level and
can be provided as and when required.
An Integrated Network Management System (NMS) with
National level control center in Delhi alongwith Regional level
control centers at Kolkotta, Bangalore, Mumbai provides
real time monitoring of the telecom network. NMS can
monitor each and every customer trail and provide online
information for quick remedial measures. The NMS is also
capable of working with third party equipment through
interface for third party Element Management System (EMS)
system. The network management system provides real
time monitoring of the network and the services are available
round the clock in the event of any problem and for quick
remedial measures.
POWERGRID is also exploring Joint Venture opportunities
with potential telecom players for enhancing its business.
POWERGRID’s Broadband Telecom network can provide
the “convergence” of various traffic viz. voice, fax, data and
multimedia over a single multipurpose network. The telecom
services that can be provisioned include:
Leasing of bandwidth capacity
Internet Access Lines
Ethernet private leased line (Point to Point & Point to
Multi-Point)
Video-conferencing
Virtual Private networks
MPLS ( Multi Protocol Label Switching) based VPNs
Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
Based upon the high availability and competitive prices,
POWERGRID has leased out capacities to various
customers which include NLDOs, ILDs, ISPs, Call Centers,
Government Agencies, Corporates etc. who are extremely
satisfied customers.
In addition to the already obtained Infrastructure Provider
license-I (IP-I), IP-II license and ISP category ‘A’ license to
provide internet services in the country, POWERGRID has
obtained National Long Distance Operator (NLDO) License
in year 2006 which will help to broaden up its customer base
by reaching directly establishments such as Govt. Agencies/
departments, Defence Services and Corporates etc.
Telecom services are being provided to various leading
telecom players.
POWERGRID is also exploring strategic alliances with
various State Electricity Boards (SEBs), which shall enable
it to reach rural, uneconomic and backward areas by utilizing
their T&D system and fulfilling their E-governance needs.
This will supplement Government of India’s effort to
accelerate the application of Information Technology and in
bridging the digital divide gap and providing telecom services
at most economic prices for the benefit of common man.
POWERGRID is committed to play a vital role in the
economic development of the country and shall be
relentlessly pursuing the responsibilities bestowed on it.