Wipro is on its way to provide for high-speed broadband internet access, that too on cheaper rates, writes Debopriya Nandy.

The equipment will allow broadband speeds of between 100 megabits per second and one gigabit per second with a commercial launch expected next year. With the recent development of the equipment to be installed on customer premises, the company has tied up with manufacturers to make product overseas for sale in India and also the global market.

The device, which is still under development, is believed to work on Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology and can support an average of 24 customers with a speed of 100 Mbps, allowing facilities such as digital television services through the Internet.

This new product, called, ONT or optical network terminal boxes, are to be manufactured by Wipro’s partners mainly in Europe and Taiwan, at an investment of $70-$80 million, said Manoj Dighe, general manager of the company. Dighe further added that, given the lower margin and lack of manufacturing technology, production is not taking place in India..

The company is looking to sell between 200,000 to 300,000 boxes though it remains coy over the price.

Wipro claims that other developments are on the cards which can pull down the rates. X