State-run telecom firm BSNL is planning to roll out Wimax services-- wireless broadband-- in

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the hinterlands by year-end despite the Rs 1,000-crore project hitting initial roadblocks.

"We expect to roll out Wimax services in the rural areas by the end of this year. We have already given advance purchase order to three companies (for required equipment)," a BSNL official told PTI.

Chennai-based Gemini Communications, Chinese equipment maker ZTE and the US-based Harris Stratex are the three companies which now need to get a security clearance from the the Department of Telecom.

The Rs 1,000-crore project has hit a roadblaock with BSNL's internal vigilance officer putting a stay on giving the project to one of the four shortlisted bidders.

The Hyderabad-based Vippalamritha Magnetic Components Ltd (VMC), which had emerged the fourth lowest bidder for the project, has been put under scanner for alleged evasion of duties by its parent company.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has also issued a show-cause notice to Prithvi Information Solution, the parent company of VMC, for the alleged non-payment of duties.

However, since the investigation in this case is going on, no order has been placed at this juncture with VMC," he said.

WiMAX, meaning Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission of data.