Despite owning its own OFC network, AMC still pays for internet
Products

Despite owning its own OFC network, AMC still pays for internet

The local authority spent Rs 230 million six years ago laying a 180 km long optical fibre cable (OFC) network for high-speed internet and intelligent traffic control along the arterial road and BRTS corridor network in Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) might make money for its Smart City plan by leasing out the specialised OFC network to a commercial company. Although the civic body has its own OFC, the irony in this situation is that it only uses a small portion of its bandwidth and completely relies on the services of commercial ISPs to meet the internet requirements of its many zonal offices. The AMC spends thousands of dollars annually on these private services.

For the past two years, the AMC-run Smart City Corporation has issued two tenders to gauge interest in its optical fibre network from potential buyers. Yet until date, nothing has materialised. The tenders were floated for the third time this month as well. For instance, consider the AMC headquarters in Danapith, which is close to the BRTS corridor. A senior AMC official said that a state- owned telecom business also provides internet services here. He continued, "We're waiting for the bids to open on May 1.

The AMC has proposed around 70 projects totaling Rs 55.74 billion to be undertaken as part of the Smart City concept in 2015. Just 54 of these have been finished, with the rest still ongoing. The IT services of the BRTS make the best use possible of the current OFC network. According to AMC authorities, just 40% of the OFC network is used at its maximum.

The local authority spent Rs 230 million six years ago laying a 180 km long optical fibre cable (OFC) network for high-speed internet and intelligent traffic control along the arterial road and BRTS corridor network in Ahmedabad. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) might make money for its Smart City plan by leasing out the specialised OFC network to a commercial company. Although the civic body has its own OFC, the irony in this situation is that it only uses a small portion of its bandwidth and completely relies on the services of commercial ISPs to meet the internet requirements of its many zonal offices. The AMC spends thousands of dollars annually on these private services. For the past two years, the AMC-run Smart City Corporation has issued two tenders to gauge interest in its optical fibre network from potential buyers. Yet until date, nothing has materialised. The tenders were floated for the third time this month as well. For instance, consider the AMC headquarters in Danapith, which is close to the BRTS corridor. A senior AMC official said that a state- owned telecom business also provides internet services here. He continued, We're waiting for the bids to open on May 1. The AMC has proposed around 70 projects totaling Rs 55.74 billion to be undertaken as part of the Smart City concept in 2015. Just 54 of these have been finished, with the rest still ongoing. The IT services of the BRTS make the best use possible of the current OFC network. According to AMC authorities, just 40% of the OFC network is used at its maximum.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Consistent reforms will foster growth and reduce investor risk

Incorporated in 1986 as a wholly owned subsidiary of State Bank of India, SBI Capital Markets Ltd (SBICAPS) is a SEBI-registered Category I merchant banker and research analyst. It offers the entire bouquet of investment banking and corporate advisory services under one umbrella, covering project advisory and structured financing, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, ESG advisory, startup advisory and stressed assets resolution. Headquartered in Mumbai, SBICAPS has seven regional offices of which six are in India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and New ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Adani Group Invests $240M in Global Skills Academy

The Adani Group has announced a partnership with ITE Education Services (ITEES) of Singapore to establish a world-class talent pipeline for industries such as Green Energy, Manufacturing, Hi-tech, Project Excellence, and Industrial Design. The initiative will see an investment of over $240 million by the Adani family to set up internationally benchmarked schools of excellence, named Adani Global Skills Academy. These finishing schools will train students from technical and vocational backgrounds, equipping them with industry-relevant certifications. Graduates will have employment opportunities..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Swiggy to Invest $120M in Scootsy for Expansion

Food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy Ltd announced on Friday that it will invest up to $120 million in its wholly owned subsidiary Scootsy Logistics in one or more tranches. Scootsy specializes in supply chain services and distribution, including warehouse management, in-warehouse processing with value-added services, and order fulfillment for wholesalers and retailers. "We wish to inform that the Board of Directors of the company, at its meeting held on Friday, February 21, 2025, has approved the investment by the company in the equity shares of Scootsy Logistics Private Limited, a wholly..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?