After securing a licence to provide internet, VPN and broadband services, RailTel has selected seven firms to market its services and provide last mile connectivity wherever required. Of the seven, four companies –­ NextGen, Convergent, Pioneer Online and Tulip IT Services –­ may market the services on an all-India basis.

RailTel is also expected to appoint regional franchisees. Thus, Descom, a subsidiary of the Kolkata-based RPG Cablecom, will handle activities in the east zone, while Mumbai-based Adino Telecom may be given the rights for the western zone. Delhibased RGV Telecom and Multilink might be assigned work in the northern region according to news reports.