Currently, only DishnetDSL with its DSL services and BSNL (formerly DOT) with its standard ISDN services are offering broadband on demand. Perhaps, this is the first time in the country that a WLL technology is being used for providing a link to broadband Internet services for data transfer. MTNL has been using CorDECT systems in Mumbai and Delhi for over a year on an experimental basis with 1000 lines in each city for voice services. CorDECT technology has been developed by Prof Ashok Jhunjunwalla and his team at Electrical & Electronics department of IIT, Chennai, in collaboration with Chennai-based Midas Technologies Pvt Ltd. According to sources close to Sify, the commercial operations would be first rolled out in Hyderabad, followed by the rest of the country in phases. For the pilot study, the company had used CorDECT systems manufactured by Delhi-based Himachal Futuristic Communication Limited (HFCL) and supplied by Hyderabad-based wireless equipment manufacturer, Advanced Radio Masts Ltd. HFCL is oneof the four Indian licensees of CorDECT, the others being Shyam Telecom Limited, ECIL and Crompton Greaves. Now that ISPs can control the last loop as well and as CorDECT not only supports simultaneous transfer of voice and data but at Rs 15,000 per connection is also around 60 per cent cheaper than the capital cost of Rs 36,000 required for a wired connection, the launch of WLL by Sify is expected to be only a step away from IP (internet protocol) telephony and basic telephony for the company.

Currently, only DishnetDSL and BSNL are offering broadband on demand. Also as 80 per cent of the maintenance cost of a telephone line (Rs 35,000 per annum) is on the last loop and susceptible to the vagaries of nature and human inefficiencies, the company is expected to save substantially on such costs. For the customers, it would mean that relocation of their connections can be done almost instantaneously, if they fall in the same network.