DoT mulls bringing in private players to manage C-DOT

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is mulling a proposal to bring in private players to manage its telecom research and development (R&D) wing Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

As per the proposal, the private sector will have 51 per cent ownership in C-DOT whereas the government’s ownership will come down to 49 per cent. The proposal aims to make C-DOT a global R&D centre and a technological system integrator.

According to sources, the government is looking to revamp the entire corporate structure of C-DOT and will form units such as technology transfer and R&D. Further, involvement of the private sector will take the company out of the government’s regulations in salary structure and procurement of raw technology, among other things. The shareholding agreement with the private players will be such that to protect the government’s interest.