State-run telecom service provider MTNL intends to launch its third generation (3G) services in Mumbai next month as it targets a user base of 1,00,000 for the third generation mobile service by the year end.

The company has already embarked Rs 200 crore for building optic fiber networks in Delhi and Mumbai for providing fiber-to-the-home, or FTTH services.

The company had recently launched its 3G services `Jadoo' in central and some of parts of South Delhi. The company plans to expand its 3G services to the remaining parts of Delhi in the next two-three months.

State Bank of India, the country's top lender, has agreed to lend Rs 10,000 crore to Vodafone-Essar, the Indian arm of UK-based telecom firm Vodafone Group to finance the company’s entry into 3G (third generation) telecom services and expansion of its operations.

According to sources, the five-year loan carries an interest rate of 13.25 per cent for the first two years; thereafter, it will be re-adjusted on the basis of the average prime lending rate.

The company intends to use the funds for network rollout, broadband operations, and to pre-pay part of its previous debt.

Lanco Infratech, the flagship of Hyderabad-based Lanco Group, has decided to invest Rs 15,000 crore in the power sector during 2009-10.

Sources reported that it would be an 80:20 debt-equity structure and lead to financial closure of 2,640 MW installed power capacity. The projects are located in Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

Tech Mahindra, an M&M-promoted company, has notified that it has successfully raised Rs 600 crore of debt through issuance of bonds.

The company said that it has allotted 6,000 non-convertible debentures (NCDs) of face value of Rs 10 lakh each, aggregating to Rs 600 crore on April 17.

Recently, Tech Mahindra through its arm Venturbay Consultants, won the race to acquire controlling stake in scam-hit Satyam Computer. The company has to pay Rs 1,756 crore by April 21, for acquisition of a 31 per cent stake in the company.

Ashok Minda Group, Country’s leading auto component manufacturer, has plans to set up a new manufacturing facility in Uzbekistan with an initial investment of $25 million.

Sources reported that the raw material for the proposed Uzbekistan plant would be shipped from India to control input costs as key inputs like steel and plastic cost, which is available lower cost in India compared to abroad.

Seamec Ltd, a subsidiary of Cof lexip Stena Offshore (Mauritius) Ltd., has signed a contract with a Dubai firm, Dulam International, to deploy one of its vessels for twelve months for $16.12 million.

The contract will commence around mid-June 2009.

Apart from the latest order, the company has also bagged a $4.47 million contract for deployment of vessel in Persian Gulf.

The Charter will commence effective from May 16, 2009.

Seamec Ltd. primarily provides support services, including marine, construction, and diving services to offshore oilfields in India and internationally. It operates three vessels: SEAMEC 1, SEAMEC 2, and SEAMEC 3.