The wait for WLL-based limited mobility services in Delhi is finally over with Tata Teleservices today announcing the launch of its wireless and wireline telephone services in the Capital under the brandname “Tata Indicom”.

While Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd also offers limited mobility services in the Capital, it has stopped offering new subscription for lack of capacity.

Tata Teleservices is offering a standard tariff plan at a monthly rental of Rs 200, outgoing call charge of Rs 1.20 per three minute and free incoming calls.

The one-time security deposit under this plan for local access would be Rs 2,400 and for STD and ISD would be Rs 4,400 while the activation fee will be another Rs 1,000.

The WLL handset will cost another Rs 6,000. Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata said: "Our intention is to provide world class end-to-end communication services. We have operations in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka. However, we did not have any presence in Delhi. With this launch we have filed the gap.”

As part of an alternative package, Tata Teleservices is offering 400 free local calls at a monthly commitment of Rs 599. The tariff plans are only introductory in nature and will be applicable for 90 days.

The company is also offering wireless fixed-line telephone services with four tariff plans. It is offering the services for as low as 75 paise for a three minute call.

Bharti “Touchtel” is the other private operator offering fixed-line telephone services in Delhi for 80 paise.

But unlike Bharti’s plan to expand operations in Delhi in a phased manner, Tata Indicom has covered the entire state from day one through code division multiple access (CDMA)-based wireless technology.

With the entry of Tata Teleservices, telephone users in Delhi will have seven operators to choose from, including four in the cellular segment and three in the basic telephony space.

Reliance Infocomm is also expected to enter the fray from December 28. Pramod Mahajan, minister of communications, while inaugurating the services, said: “There is no need for fighting. With a potential market of 500 million subscribers, there is a market for everyone.”

Tata Teleservices will invest around Rs 850 crore over the next 5 years. The company is also setting up public phone booths across the city apart from exclusive showrooms, retail outlets, 16 franchisees and 300 dealers.

The company has also set up a 60-km long optic fibre network across five commercial areas, 117 cell sites, and a 24 hour call centre to address customer concerns.