Sterlite Technologies (previously called Sterlite Optical Technologies Ltd) has been selected by BSNL to supply copper telecom cables, to enhance the public sector telecom giant''s pan-India network for basic telephony and broadband services.

The contract is valued at Rs143 crore. Sterlite Optical expects to complete the supply within FY 2007-08, as stipulated in the contract.

Sterlite Optical says that with the award of this contract, Sterlite has acquired over a 23-per cent market share for copper telecom cables during FY 2007-08.

The ministry of telecommunication has declared 2007 as the "year of broadband" and has resolved to make broadband in India further affordable.

Broadband services have sparked off a fresh wave in demand for wireline connectivity with leading telecom incumbents in India opting to launch broadband services using the ''ADSL 2+'' technology, which has given copper cables a fresh lease of life. The copper cables are used for the last mile wiring for landline phones while fiber optic cables are used up to the junction box.

"The ministry of communication has a target of connecting 20 million broadband subscribers by 2010," says K S Rao, CMO, telecom. "We are grateful to BSNL for enabling us to provide infrastructure that is the lifeline for broadband and therein be a key contributor to India''s broadband vision."