Investments in wireless technology maintained strong growth recently and are bucking the general venture capital investment trends that have witnessed overall decline from 2000 to 2005. The portion dedicated to wireless investments is on the increase, and will continue to do so, hitting an all-time high in 2006 says a report by telecom industry research firm visiongain.

Visiongain expects the movement towards financing wireless start-ups outside the US to grow, as major funds are earmarking funds for start-ups in India and China.

During 2005, 152 wireless-related companies received $1.3 billion in funding, and accounted for seven per cent of total VC investment last year, a figure that will rise in 2006 and beyond. The bulk of telecom investments include wireless and related technology, networking, infrastructure, semiconductors, mobile computing, content and services.

"Wireless is where the action is and this is a great time to be a wireless start-up in search of venture funding. As the US public markets remain weak and private equity investing grows outside the United States, we will see many more IPOs of wireless companies taking place in the public markets outside the United States," said visiongain analyst Lynne Gregg.Venture-backed M&As in the telecom and wireless sector remained strong in 2005 and all indicators point to continued strength in this area in 2006.

Satyam Computer Services Ltd, a consulting and IT services provider, on Friday announced the launch of its Kolkata development centre, located in Salt Lake City. The foundation stone was laid by the chief minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The state-of-the-art facility will be spread over an area of 2.77 acres, built in 2 phases, for about 2000 Associates. The first phase will start soon for 800 associates, followed by Phase II.

"The facility will serve as a development centre for Satyam’s global customers and is a part of the company’s strategic plans of broadening its geographic base in the country. The availability of a large talent pool, good infrastructure facilities and the progressive policies and support of the government in West Bengal are some of the key factors for the development," a Satyam release said.

"It is an extremely good opportunity for us to be part of West Bengal’s consistent transformation, which has been immensely backed by the progressive economic policies practised by the government. We look forward to work with some of the most talented resources available in the region, and offer world-class services to our global clients, from this facility," the release quoted B. Rama Raju, managing director of Satyam Computer Services, as saying. Mr Bhattacharjee, said, "The government of West Bengal would look at all possibilities to extend its support to Satyam, in the coming days, and looks forward to a long-term relationship, with the company and the industry." The development centre will comprise of 2 software development blocks.