The research arm of the telecom ministry, C-DOT, today said it will deploy a solution for BSNL that will allow the state-run telco to share its active telecom infrastructure with private operators in rural areas.

C-DOT, has developed a solution called --shared GSM radio active network (SG RAN) -- which will allow BSNL to share its infrastructure in rural areas with up to three private telecom operators, reducing the infrastructure cost of each telco substantially.

"We are already in the process of implementing the SG RAN solution for BSNL. This solution will allow the same infrastructure to be used by three-four telcos at a time," C-DOT Director Vipin Tyagi said.

BSNL will be the first telco to implement the solution, he said. CDOT also is in talks with other operators for the solution.

Active infrastructure includes base stations, which use spectrum to provide connectivity to mobile phones, deployed by operators and forms a major part of the infrastructure cost.

As of now, only passive infrastructure such as towers is being shared among operators. However, sharing of active infrastructure such as spectrum is not permitted in the country.

A telecom operator has to make major investments towards setting up tower and putting up base stations.

According to analyst, in rural areas, the telecom traffic is low compared to urban areas, there infrastructure sharing among multiple players could be a cost-effective option.

New players who have been granted licences and planning to launch operations may also find this solution a viable way of launching services in new areas.