China-based ZTE could be the only supplier of GSM equipments to BSNL. According to latest chunk of information, other bidders have declined to match the lowest price quoted by ZTE. 

It is reportedly said that BSNL had floated a tender in July 2011 to add capacity to its existing 2G network and improve services in the north, east and south zones. The telecom equipment maker ZTE has quoted $50 per line, which is quite low price than quoted by other rivals including Huawei, Nokia Siemens Networks, Alcatel Lucent and Ericsson, trusted aides informed. 

It is worth noticing, after revising the tender several times, BSNL has decided to follow the process of reverse auction. Under the latest scheme, BSNL is planning to give contract to the lowest bidder for the north and south zones and the second-lowest bidder would get the contract for the third zone but at the same price quoted by the lowest bidder. 

A person having closed information regarding the matter informed our team that BSNL has already placed the advance order to purchase GSM equipments required in the north and south zones with ZTE and is expected to place detailed purchase orders very soon.

The tender floated by BSNL involves planning, financing, engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and annual maintenance of the GSM lines. 

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