WiMax and WiMax deal: BSNL officials houses raided by CBI

WiMAX (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access) is an IP-based wireless broadband technology that provides Internet access for any device on any network within a designated zone.

Internet Access

WiMAX can provide At-Home or Mobile Internet Access across whole cities or countries.Given the relatively low costs associated with the deployment of a WiMAX network (in comparison with 3G, HSDPA, xDSL, HFC or FTTx), it is now economically viable to provide last-mile broadband Internet access in remote locations.

Wimax Devices

Devices that provide connectivity to a WiMAX network are known as the Subscriber Stations.

Portable units include handsets (similar to cellular smartphones); PC peripherals (PC Cards or USB dongles); and embedded devices in laptops, which are now available for Wi-Fi services.

It is alleged that Starnet Communication was given letter of intent for the WiMax franchise of BSNL for its six circles despite the fact that it was not eligible for the same and fudged its balance sheet to grab the deal.The eligibility conditions stipulated that the company should have a turn over of Rs 100 crore and above, which was allegedly achieved by manipulation in the balance sheets by Starnet, the sources said.

The Central Vigilance Commission(CVC) has also found alleged irregularities in the allotment of franchise to Starnet 

The CBI on Saturday Feb 25,2012 registered a fresh case in connection with alleged irregularities in awarding BSNL’s WiMax franchise to a private firm, considered close to ex-Telecom Minister A. Raja, and carried out searches across four cities.

Nine teams of CBI officials searched the residences of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) officials and the officials of Starnet, the alleged beneficiary, which got the franchise, in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Gurgaon, CBI sources said.