RailTel is all set to Unwire rural and urban areas with High Speed Broadband connectivity using the future proof WiMax technology. On the strength of this network, RailTel plans to offer Broadband Internet, VoIP and other Value Added Services including E-Governance applications at your finger tip instantly. RailTel has signed an MoU with two partners i.e. M/s MetaMax and M/s Airlink to deploy WiMax Base Stations on a PAN India basis. RailTel and its partners will leverage each other’s strength on WiMax deployment. This synergy will not only enable RailTel’s customer to connect to RailTel’s high capacity backbone but will also help passengers at Railway stations to connect to internet. RailTel already owns spectrum in 2.7-2.9 GHz band across 43 cities for such applications.

Under one model RailTel will provide its spectrum on 2.7-2.9 GHz licensed frequency band for operation of this network to M/s MetaMax. As per the MoU MetaMax will built, commission and operate WiMax Network across 43 cities. On the strength of this network, MetaMax proposes to offer Broadband Internet, VoIP, Hosting, Email and other Value Added Services to retail and SME customers. RailTel may further use the network to provide last mile connectivity to its own VPN/Internet Corporate and Enterprise customers. Further, MetaMax will also utilize RailTel’s MPLS bandwidth, tower and space for hosting of base station at RailTel’s PoPs. Moreover, MetaMax will also purchase Internet bandwidth from RailTel. The services to be provided by MetaMax shall be co-branded and the agreement is based on the revenue sharing model

In another model also under PPP, M/s Airlink is rolling out WiMax based network working on 2.4 & 5.8 GHz frequency. Under this model, Airlink shall deliver world-class experience for the railway passengers by deploying Wi-Fi hotspots at the railway stations. With this service, users having WiFi/WiMax enabled devices like Laptops, Palmtops, Mobile phones; etc will be able to browse Internet at Broadband speeds. Currently 23 stations have already been provided with Hotspots while another 50 stations will be covered by next year. Users can log on the home page and buy packages online using debit/credit cards or can purchase prepaid cards from stations. The service comes with a 24x7 online support thus providing fault free service to passengers at Railway stations. Like with MetaMax, M/s Airlink will also utilize RailTel’s MPLS bandwidth, Internet bandwidth, Tower and Space for hosting of base station at RailTel’s PoPs.