Midas to introduce upgraded corDECT looks at SAARC

Chennai: India''s own home grown telecom technology company Midas Communication Technologies will soon launch its upgraded corDECT wireless in the local loop (WLL) system. The upgraded system will facilitate simultaneous data and voice speed of 100 kpbs or of 200 kbps for either one of the services.

This speed is more than twice that of its existing capacity. Presently, the corDECT system is capable of delivering 70 kbps speed voice or data and when both are used then the speed comes down by half.

"Today broadband connection is popular in cities and corDECT WLL will be able to serve that market," says Shirish B Purohit, chief executive officer.

Meanwhile, Midas is training its focus on the SAARC region where the telecom market is fast developing. "We have secured $1 million order from Bhutan. We are looking at the Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar markets," Purohit adds.

Neighbouring countries apart, Midas has appointed a distributor in Russia instead of its earlier plan to have a joint venture there. According to Purohit, major items for the Russian market will be shipped from Malaysia where there is a Midas licencee. "Some components will be sourced in Russia as they have to tolerate the extreme cold climes of Russia," reasons Purohit.

According to him, the Russian market has a potential for $250 million order. However the Russian order on hand is for 30,000 lines and supplies will start soon. "We expect at least $10 million from Russia."

Meanwhile Midas will be closing this fiscal with a turnover of Rs.240 crore up from Rs.45 crore clocked in 2003. "Next year our target is Rs.450 crore," added Purohit.

Telecom service providers like Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Reliance Infocomm, Shyam Telelink are major buyers in India. "Our order book position is satisfactory with 3 million lines and 1.5 million subscriber terminals," remarks Purohit.