Date:15/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/15/stories/2007061503351300.htm

National

Tata to expand telecom business

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Tata Sons Chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday said his telecom company was keen on expanding, by adopting the latest technology.

"We intend to grow the telecom business in the country. We would like to become one of the leading operators, offering end-to-end solution. So, we have chosen to go with the CDMA technology instead of GSM. When the country is ready for 3G technology, we will go for it."

He was talking to newsmen on the sidelines of the Confederation of Indian Industry's two-day national summit on `Corporate Social Responsibility' here.

To a question, he said he was pleased with the way integration of the Anglo-Dutch steel maker Corus with Tatas was taking place.

Asked whether Tatas were interested in acquiring any firm in the beverage sector after having sold their stake in Energy Brand Inc., Mr. Tata said, "We are looking at more acquisitions... We are interested, wherever it may be."

He denied that Tatas had exited from oil exploration.

On reservation

Asked about reservation in the private sector, he said providing equal opportunity to all in accessing jobs was a better solution to correct social imbalances than reserving jobs for the underprivileged.

"We wanted to create India as a land of equality. We have been cooperating with the CII on this, even before the talks on reservation began," Mr. Tata said.