Gemini Communication, a Chennai based Communication & Networking solutions provider has bagged an order worth Rs.75 crore from TNEB for computerization of 1725 collection centers under BEST (Billing for Essential Services in TNEB) scheme. This is the second phase of the project and will be used by 8 Chief Engineers and expected to benefit over 1.5 crore consumers. With this project TNEB will computerize all their collection centers spread across Tamil Nadu.
Gemini Communication did the first phase for about 456 Collection centers spread across 9 regions and the order value was to the tune of Rs.50 crores. In the second phase TNEB had come out with a tender for 8 regions catering to 1725 collection centers. With this all collection centers are covered under this programme. It is note worthy to mention that GCL was the least bidder in all the 8 regions that had come out with the tender.
According to Mr. Vijay Kumar Managing Director, Gemini Communication Ltd., “We at GCL feel proud to be partnering with TNEB in this prestigious project. TNEB has saved significantly in terms of cost in allowing people to be innovative in their network design. They had proposed the bandwidth required for every single region and the mode of connectivity was left with the concerned design company to propose. This brings out the best for TNEB as innovative and cost effective technology could be used, thus benefiting TNEB.”
Gemini's proposed solution is based on 95% wireless and 5 % leased lines. The remote rural office of TNEB will be connected to a circle office and the circle office will be connected to the Regional office. In the first phase, GCL had already deployed the servers and storage products for this network and hence the data that is being typed in at the remote rural office will automatically be saved in the server of the Regional office. As on date the regional offices have not been connected to one single data center, which could be taken up by TNEB after this project is completed.
For the leased lines GCL has approached Railtel and other private service providers. It is using PointRed wireless modems for this project. Gemini had acquired the assets of PointRed Technologies Inc US in May 2006. There will be a deployment of more than 4500 Modems in this project and could easily be termed as the biggest deployment of wireless in Asia for a non-telecom company.
Vijay Kumar further added, “The key differentiator between GCL and the rest of the bidders was the network design and our strength in wireless technology, added to the fact that we are selling our own modems into this network. The company's decision to acquire PointRed was instrumental in bringing down our cost thus being competitive in the market place. PointRed will also be coming out with mobile Wimax range of products soon.” |
