"We are considering a plan to set up a manufacturing facility in Mauritius to make digital switching and access products," a senior company official told PTI, adding, this would offer ITI the opportunity to expand its operations in the South African market. ITI's access products will include wireless and local loop (WLL) with code division multiple access (CDMA) technology, high speed digital subscriber line (HDSL) to enhance deployment in copper, digital loop carrier system for fibre access to home and a synchronous DSL for higher bandwidth connectively for Internet, ISDN and video conferencing. The official said ITI was also keen to set up call centres and Internet kiosks in Mauritius. The company might visit the country next month as part of a business delegation to work out modalities.

ITI is also weighing the option of entering into a joint venture with Mauritian firms for developing telecom software, the official said, adding, it was looking forward to offer consultancy and maintenance services there.

ITI, which manufacturers the entire range of telecom products, digital switches, transmission systems - both digital microwave systems - and fibre optic, satellite communication system, has executed turn-key projects in more than 15 countries, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and Malaysia.

"We would like to develop Mauritius as a key market for the entire South African region, not only through the proposed manufacturing facility but also providing total telecom and IT solutions ensuring life-time maintenance support for the networks," the official said.

As part of its other plans, ITI's current focus is manufacturing cellular mobile infrastructure equipment. Recently, ITI installed GSM-based cellular mobile service network for MTNL's "dolphin" brand in Mumbai after setting up the same in New Delhi.

(PTI)