MUMBAI: Indian state-owned service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is teaming with Intel Corp. in a bid to deploy the country's first WiMAX-based wireless broadband and telecom service.

The companies expect to sign a technology agreement soon. The pact could give BSNL an edge over potential rivals in offering WiMAX services, asserts an official release.

Private companies currently offering broadband services in India include Bharti Airtel Ltd., Reliance Communications Ltd and Tata Teleservices Ltd, which together have about 850,000 subscribers.

BSNL is in the process of conducting trials on mobile services using WiMAX. Intel is conducting WiMAX trials in a dozen Indian cities.

Another state-owned communications firm, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd, is conducting two pilots in the country. And privately owned Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. is deploying multiservice wireless broadband systems from Aperto in 65 Indian cities, adds the release.