Bell Canada, a subsidiary of Bell Canada Enterprises Inc (BCE Inc), is planning to outsource key voice-based projects for its internet and satellite TV divisions to India according to market sources. A report in the Business Standard said that the telecom giant will float a formal tender once it frames a vendor shortlist.

The projects being sent to India will be inbound in nature and Bell Canada is looking at a BPO partner with strong competencies in front-end work for international clients. The deal size has been estimated to be between $15 million to $25 million annually.

Bell Canada is a leading player in the Canadian wireless telecommunication industry, controlling about 30% of total wireless subscribers in that country. Wireless, the key revenue driver, makes up roughly 50 per cent of Bell Canada's revenues.

Canadian companies have traditionally not been outsourcing to India, while US companies engaged in reinsurance and mortgage services are renewing their focus on Indian outsourced services providers. Front-end BPO work typically involves outbound and inbound work in debt settlement lead generation. While outbound work is typically around $20 per lead, inbound lead generation is paid at the hourly rate of $10.