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

Infrastructure Opportunity Outlook by IMPACCT.Info

India’s infrastructure pipeline is witnessing dynamic activity across stages — from immediate bidding to future planning. IMPACCT segments these into three categories: Immediate, 3–6 Month, and Future Opportunities, enabling businesses to identify, prepare, and participate in high-value tenders and projects across sectors...To read the full article Click Here..

Next Story
Real Estate

Serene Communities, Prathima Group Invest Rs 4 billion in Hyderabad

Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific, India’s largest senior living operator, has partnered with Prathima Group to develop two senior living projects in Hyderabad, marking its entry into Telangana. The collaboration represents an investment of Rs 4 billion, combining Serene’s international expertise with Prathima’s local development experience. The first project, Serene BILVANI One, launched in Shankarpally, is Hyderabad’s first premium senior living community. Designed for independent and active ageing, it features senior-friendly architecture, barrier-free design, and wellness..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India remains our most important market

Foundamental, the world’s leading venture capital platform focused on the project economy, has launched its third fund to strengthen its presence in India, APAC, and other global markets. Led by Berlin-based Managing Partners Shubhankar Bhattacharya and Patric Hellermann, Fund III aims for a final close by the end of 2025. In an exclusive interaction with CW, Bhattacharya shares insights on the fund’s mandate, India’s role in their strategy, and the opportunities they see in the construction-tech and project-based sectors. Can you briefly explain Fund III’s mandate and how In..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?