Latest BSNL News

Started by sajiv, Jul 22, 2008, 10:49 AM

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sajiv

BSNL to launch WiMax soon

Service will be provided to select organisations in first phase

Details of equipment cost, tariff will be finalised soon

VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam Telecom District of BSNL, will introduce WiMax (Worldwide Inter Operability for Microwave Axis) service in the city. It is a broadband internet service which does not require a landline.

This wireless internet service, first of its kind, would be made available to 100 select Government organisations in the fist phase.

It is taken up under Public Private Partnership (PPP) project and Ms/Soma Networks is the private party.
Testing nearly over

Testing of signals is at final stage and according to General Manager P. Nagaraju, the service would be made operational within week or 10 days.

Signals would be transmitted thorough the existing towers of the BSNL and initially 17 areas were selected for this. WiMax service would be provided initially in five areas viz Dabagardens, Kommadi, Malkapuram, Sithammadhara and Velampeta. Other areas like L.Bullaiah College, Industrial Estate, Gopalapatnam, Gajuwaka, Steel Plan Township, Pendurthi, MVP Colony, NTPC, Anandapuram and SEZ would be covered later. The Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) which is a small box would ensure transmission of signals to the laptop and computer.

The details of cost of equipment, tariff etc., would be finalised soon, he said. The cost would, however, be bit more when compared to broadband service through landline, he said, adding that WiMax service would be suitable to areas where there is no feasibility of laying a landline for telephone.

Depending upon the areas the speed would range from 250 kbps to six mbps, he said.

Broadband
Broadband service is also being expanded in a big way. At present, there are 18,000 broadband connections in the district and the waiting list stood at 2,000. According to Mr. Nagaraju, 10,000 more connections would be given in urban areas of the district, mainly in Visakhapatnam city, Anakapalli and Bheremunipatnam.

The idea was to have nearly 30,000 broadband connections by March next.

Plans have also been finalised to release 30,000 more connections after the present expansion programme was completed, he said.


dwarakesh

DoT keeps mum on favouring BSNL

Not 3G this time around. The telecom department of Government of India has now managed to court controversy about something entirely new -- WiMax.

DoT reacted partly on the allegations made by the WiMax operators over BWA spectrum licence validity period and favouritism to BSNL.

WiMax operators have alleged that the allotment of broadband wireless (BWA) spectrum was biased towards state-run telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. The forum insists that in three states of India  Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh – BSNL has been favoured "unscrupulously".

The WiMax operators' lobby, the WiMax Forum, alleged that BSNL had deployed its WiMax services on the frequency division duplex (FDD)-based spectrum band. This decision the forum says has exasperated it. This attitude of the government, they allege, goes contrary to international norms.

The forum also said that such "favouritism" would result in preventing operators from installing time division duplex (TDD) on the same band, which the forum claims is a better technology. 

The WiMax Forum chairman, CS Rao said, "Both technologies cannot co-exist, therefore if BSNL deploys its services in the FDD mode, it will not be possible for other operators to operate on superior technology".

BSNL has tied up with its US WiMax equipment vendor, Soma Networks in these three states. He also maintained that Soma Networks has registration for TDD as well and it can be upgraded.

BSNL officials failed to respond to any of our queries on this controversy. DoT has also managed to keep mum.

The forum has also asked to formulate the BWA guidelines at par with 3G in terms of license validity. The BWA spectrum winner would enjoy only 15 years of license validity whereas the 3G spectrum winner will get five more years, that is, for 20 years.

dwarakesh

BSNL, Smart Digivision launch IPTV services in UP

BSNL and Smart Digivision announced the introduction of IPTV services in Uttar Pradesh (UP) with the launch of the services in Lucknow, Allahabad, Kanpur, Varanasi and Kanpur.

Apart from the conventional entertainment services offered on IPTV, the tie-up will also offer services like booking tickets, email, travel information, online shopping and chatting.

dwarakesh

Phone lines hit

About 300 telephone connections in Tahsildar Nagar area have been affected by road widening and drainage work.

According to a press release from V. K. Sanjeevi, General Manager, BSNL, action has been taken "on a war footing" to restore the connections. They are expected to be restored in seven days.

The affected telephones are in Marududpandiar Main Street, Raja Street, Kumaran Street, Velavan Street, Saravanan Street, MGR Street, Periyar Street, Haja Mohideen Street and Mahatma Street in Melamadai.

dwarakesh

BSNL's 'Free Internet' Offer

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has offered an extension to its so-called free dial-up internet surfing facility to subscribers until December 2008. This is the company's 'account-free' Calling Line Identification (CLI) based 'Net One' dial-up internet service. This means, if you use a BSNL landline, you need not pay anything to get started on the internet.

To start surfing: 1. Connect your telephone jack to your PC or laptop. 2. Initiate a dial-up connection with the access code 172222. 3. Enter a username (STD code without zero + your telephone number), followed by a password of your choice. Once you're connected, you will be charged only for the local calls -- Pulse rate@450 seconds from 0730-2230 and 900 seconds from 2230-0730. You'll receive the Internet bill along with your telephone bill. We aren't sure whether we should recommend any of the BSNL helpline numbers (they seldom work) to obtain more details on this subject. In the mean time, you could visit the BSNL website for your respective state

VelMurugan

BSNL's 'Free Internet' Offer


Local call rates -- Pulse rate@450 seconds from 0730-2230 and 900 seconds from 2230-0730, pay along with telephone bill


Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has offered an extension to its so-called free dial-up internet surfing facility to subscribers until December 2008. This is the company's 'account-free' Calling Line Identification (CLI) based 'Net One' dial-up internet service. This means, if you use a BSNL landline, you need not pay anything to get started on the internet.

To start surfing:

1. Connect your telephone jack to your PC or laptop.

2. Initiate a dial-up connection with the access code 172222.

3. Enter a username (STD code without zero + your telephone number), followed by a password of your choice.

Once you're connected, you will be charged only for the local calls -- Pulse rate@450 seconds from 0730-2230 and 900 seconds from 2230-0730. You'll receive the Internet bill along with your telephone bill. We aren't sure whether we should recommend any of the BSNL helpline numbers (they seldom work) to obtain more details on this subject. In the mean time, you could visit the BSNL website for your respective state (click here) for more information.


Source : TechTree

dwarakesh

BSNL to account for Rs 10,000 cr deficit on its books

State-run BSNL, which was corporatised in 2000, had to "conceal" Rs 10,000 crore on its books as it had stated its assets at Rs 75,000 crore at the time of its formation against the transferred assets of Rs 65,000 crore.

"The biggest challenge was to create an asset register of the company. A F Ferguson & Company, the appointed consultant for the corporatisation process at BSNL, estimated the total assets transferred to BSNL amounted to about Rs 65,000 crore.

"However, the assets were at Rs 75,000 crore leaving a gap of Rs 10,000 crore that had to be concealed over a period of time," BSNL Director (Finance) S D Saxena said in his book 'Connecting India' while describing the transformation of the entity from being a Government department to a corporation.

He said experts declared that BSNL would not be able to close its accounts for at least three years with such a gaping hole in its assets register. BSNL was directed by the DoT to close accounts for the remaining six-month period ending March 31, 2001, by December 2000.

BSNL officials, along with auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers, finalised the accounts in March 2002.

The amount of Rs 65,000 crore was broken up into an equity of Rs 5,000 crore and the rest was shown as reserves and surplus. Later, this was re-jigged to equity of Rs 5,000 crore and preferential shares of Rs 7,500 crore and a long-term loan of Rs 5,000 crore with the rest shown as reserves as a balancing entry, he has stated.

Saxena, who retires this month-end, has played a key role in the transition of BSNL from a 145-year old government department to a corporate body.

The Physics post-graduate, who later became the CFO, narrates in his book the pain of a new corporate entity and said the hardships of moving into a new culture was clearly not mapped well.

sajiv

Withdraw decision to merge with BSNL

TIRUCHI: The Tiruchi Branch of the All India BSNL Officers' Association has urged the Centre to withdraw its decision to merge the Indian Telephone Industries with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

Resolution
A resolution to this effect was adopted at the executive committee meeting of the Association's Tiruchi Branch held here on Friday.

"Provide new pay scales"
By another resolution it wanted the Central government to provide new pay scales for the BSNL officers.

The meeting was presided over by the Association district president C. Krishnan, a press release from the All India BSNL Officers' Association here said.


dwarakesh

BSNL had to 'reconcile' Rs 10,000 cr deficit on its books

State-run BSNL had to reconcile Rs 10,0000 crore to set the asset accounts right since its incorporation eight years ago after the government hived off the services wing from the telecom ministry.

The discrepancy in accounts had crept in due to asset valuation by consultant AF Ferguson at Rs 65,000 crore whereas the government transferred assets valued at Rs 10,000 crore more.

Clarifying that there was no concealment of Rs 10,000 crore, BSNL Director (Finance) S D Saxena attributed the error to a printing mistake in the book and set the record straight by saying "it is in fact reconciliation". Saxena said the book is being printed again.

In present form, the book says: "The biggest challenge was to create an asset register of the company. A F Ferguson & Company, the appointed consultant for the corporatisation process at BSNL, estimated the total assets transferred to BSNL amounted to about Rs 65,000 crore."

Saxena, who retires this month-end, has played a key role in the transition of BSNL from a 145-year-old government department to a corporate body.

sajiv

BSNL adalat

Kozhikode:
The next BSNL telephone adalat of Kozhikode SSA for Wayanad Revenue District is slated to be held during the last week of January 2009, to settle the long pending complaints, grievances of telephone subscribers of Wayanad Revenue District. Fresh complaints, complaints pending settlements in other courts and complaints from associations will not be entertained during the adalat. Complaints preferably typewritten or in legible handwriting with contact telephone number should be addressed to T. Sreedharan, Asst. General Manager (OP). Office of the Principal General Manager, Telecom, BSNL, Balan K. Nair Road, Kozhikode, 673001 before January 7.

sajiv

Telephone mela

Thrissur: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will conduct a telephone mela at BSNL Centre, Post Office Road, Thrissur on Tuesday. Customers of the district can participate.

sajiv

BSNL promotional festival offer

It will offer extra value to prepaid subscribers

On recharge coupons up to January 16

Coimbatore: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Coimbatore, has introduced a promotional festival offer providing extra value to the BNSL mobile prepaid subscribers on the recharge coupons for a period up to January 16.

Coupons with a face value of Rs. 1,000 sold at Rs. 1,124 will have a talk value of Rs. 1,125 as against the normal talk value of Rs. 900. Similarly, coupons with a face value of Rs. 2,000 sold at Rs. 2,247 having a normal talk time value of Rs. 2,400 would have Rs. 3,000 talk time value. Coupons with a face value of Rs. 3,000 sold at Rs. 3,371 having a normal talk value of Rs. 3,000 would have a talk value of Rs. 3,750 if purchased during the current promotional offer period. Coupons with a face value of Rs. 5,000now now have a talk time value of Rs. 7,504.


dwarakesh

BSNL's Saxena attributes confusion over 'concealment' to printing error in book   
   

BSNL Director (Finance), S D Saxena said that there was on concealment of Rs 10,000 crore as reported post launch of his book titled Connecting India. Saxena said that the confusion was created due to a printing error in the book which will be rectified soon.

Saxena said that consultancy firm, AF Ferguson had valued BSNL at Rs 65,000 crore during the incorporation of BSNL while the government further transferred Rs 10,000 crore worth assets. Saxena said it is in fact a reconciliation and not a concealment

sajiv

BSNL mela

PALAKKAD:
The BSNL will organise a mela at Pazhery Complex, Kodathypaddy, near Mannarkad, on December 29 and 30 for the benefit of BSNL consumers and the general public. New landline and wireless connections will be provided without registration and installation charges. Mobile connections will also be given. The use of broadband services will be demonstrated at the mela, a press release said. Those who want new connections should bring photo identity card and documents for proof of address. Reconnection of disconnected numbers will be done at the mela.

sajiv

BSNL's power pack

MANGALORE: The Karnataka Telecom Circle has announced a New Power Pack for those who want to own BSNL sim cards.

A BSNL press statement here on Monday said that the initial SIM value was Rs. 249. It would come with a free-talk time worth Rs. 50, and valid for two years.

dwarakesh

BSNL mobile bill payment

In Tuticorin Municipal Corporation area BSNL mobile phone bills are accepted only at two points, the office of GM, BSNL, opposite Kamaraj Park and at the Telegraph Office, WGC Road. Customers residing at Muthiahpuram area, consisting of important pockets such as SPIC Nagar, TAC Nagar, Heavy Water Project Colony and Sundar Nagar are forced to go to Tuticorin town, which is about 10 km, to pay their bills. I, therefore, request the authorities concerned to authorise Muthiahpuram Post Office also for payment of BSNL mobile phone bills.

sajiv


CHENNAI: Mobile service providers are bracing up for an unusually busy day for their networks, with subscribers expected to make many times more the number of calls and text messages on the eve of New Year and the following day.

Service providers say the late evening hours on New Year eve and the run-up to midnight are when networks will witness the heaviest traffic.

BSNL Chennai Telephones Chief General Manager M.P. Velusamy on Tuesday convened a special meeting with officials to review the arrangements to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for more than 10 lakh mobile subscribers in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruchi.

"BSNL's network of 430 telephone exchanges has sufficient circuits to handle 1.20 lakh simultaneous calls," he said.

The capacity of the historically high-traffic exchanges such as K.K. Nagar, R.K. Nagar and Haddows Road was also reviewed at the meeting.

24-hour duty
It was decided to post personnel on 24-hour duty at all exchanges, from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, to monitor traffic patterns and take remedial steps, if a particular route showed signs of turning chaotic.

BSNL officials also took stock of the Mobile Switching Centres at Haddows Road, Flower Bazaar and K.K. Nagar that handled traffic on the CellOne network. "In the eventuality of network congestion, technical teams will intervene immediately to restore normality," an official said.

SMS traffic on the CellOne network travels along a separate channel, with the principal servers located in Madurai and Hyderabad.

An Airtel spokesman said the company expected a significant increase in the number of calls and messages because of its larger number of mobile subscribers.

"We are expecting an increase of over 60 per cent traffic. To deal with this, we have augmented our network and taken appropriate measures to ensure that our customers do not experience any inconvenience during this period," he said.

Mobile operators who have seen business boom in the GSM segment—as has been the case nationwide—have built up a robust network of Base Transceiver Stations to provide seamless connectivity.

In the GSM and CDMA segments, pre-paid subscribers account for more than 90 per cent of the mobile users.

The series of tariff cuts have not only fuelled further subscriber growth in Tier II towns but also made the cost among the lowest in the world. On the flip side, the low tariffs have also dragged down the Average Revenue Per User, and the onus of companies staying competitive has shifted to the quality of customer care, prompt redress of complaints and innovative value additions.


dhilipkumar

BSNL launches IPTV

New Delhi: In yet another attempt to push its falling landline numbers, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) on Wednesday announced the nation-wide launch of Interactive Personalized Television & Video Services (IPTV) for its customers.

The telco said that these services would reinvent home television entertainment as it would enable its customers watch programmes according to their convenience from more than 140 TV channels. BSNL will also offer customers who subscribe for these services an extensive movie library with Hollywood and Bollywood titles at no extra cost, the telco said.

The Transmission of content through Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system implies a system wherein digital content services are delivered to subscribing customers using a broadband internet connection. BSNL will be providing these services in collaboration with Smart Digivision Pvt Ltd. The Smart TV Group, consisting of Smart Digivision Pvt Ltd and Smart Broadband Services Pvt Ltd, has entered into long term contracts with MTNL and BSNL for providing co-branded interactive video services to their customers in 54 large cities across India.

Customers who avail IPTV services from BSNL can also be able to get video, music, games and eduction on demand. In the next phase, the subscribers will get additional features such as being able to pause live TV, personalized stock ticker and digital digital Instant & scheduled recording.

"We have ambitious plans for broadband expansion. For the coming three years, we have plans to add three million broadband connections every year," BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal said while launching these services. HFCL promoter, Mr Mahendra Nahata, who is also the chairman of Smart Digivision Pvt said that the company's engagement with BSNL, reflects Smart Digivision's long term strategy to become consumers' preferred entertainment provider".

Kalyan

BSNL launches IPTV

In yet another attempt to push its falling landline numbers, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) on Wednesday announced the nation-wide launch of Interactive Personalized Television & Video Services (IPTV) for its customers.

The telco said that these services would reinvent home television entertainment as it would enable its customers watch programmes according to their convenience from more than 140 TV channels.

BSNL will also offer customers who subscribe for these services an extensive movie library with Hollywood and Bollywood titles at no extra cost, the telco said.

The Transmission of content through Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system implies a system wherein digital content services are delivered to subscribing customers using a broadband internet connection.

BSNL will be providing these services in collaboration with Smart Digivision Pvt Ltd. The Smart TV Group, consisting of Smart Digivision Pvt Ltd and Smart Broadband Services Pvt Ltd, has entered into long term contracts with MTNL and BSNL for providing co-branded interactive video services to their customers in 54 large cities across India.

Customers who avail IPTV services from BSNL can also be able to get video, music, games and eduction on demand.

In the next phase, the subscribers will get additional features such as being able to pause live TV, personalized stock ticker and digital digital Instant & scheduled recording.

"We have ambitious plans for broadband expansion. For the coming three years, we have plans to add three million broadband connections every year," BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal said while launching these services.

HFCL promoter, Mr Mahendra Nahata, who is also the chairman of Smart Digivision Pvt said that the company's engagement with BSNL, reflects Smart Digivision's long term strategy to become consumers' preferred entertainment provider".

source : economic times

dwarakesh

BSNL offer to mobile pre-paid customers

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has offered up to 25 per cent extra talk value to the mobile pre-paid customers.

In a statement, its Madurai General Manager, V.K. Sanjeevi, said that customers would get a talk value of Rs. 1,125, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 3,750 on recharging their pre-paid cards with coupons of face value of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 3,000 respectively.

The talk value for recharge coupon of Rs. 5,000 would be Rs. 7,504.

dwarakesh

BSNL to launch Internet Protocol Television soon

CHENNAI: Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is set to transform the tele-viewing experience of broadband users with BSNL Chennai Telephones gearing up to launch the service shortly.

A senior BSNL official told The Hindu that the service would be provided to DataOne subscribers at competitive tariffs. The soft launch of the service was a runaway success, he said.

To be initially launched in Chennai, the service could later be taken to the subscribers under BSNL Tamil Nadu Circle.

BSNL has at present struck deals with 30 odd channels and is looking to expand the bouquet by negotiating with paid channels, sources said. The partner channels provide the Set Top Box and BSNL the modem.

IPTV is a technology that delivers video or TV broadcasts over the broadband network instead of receiving television or video over the cable lines (Cable Operator) or through a satellite (DTH).

Being Internet Protocol-based, IPTV will allow users a freedom and versatility not associated with regular tele-viewing. The new technology, with its key assets being interactive and personalised viewing, promises many more things compared to the TV set.

dwarakesh

BSNL greets customers with New Year packages

Bangalore: There is good news in store for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) customers. On Wednesday, the utility announced many offers for its customers for the New Year. It will be organising a BSNL mela on January 2 and 3 at all its telephone exchanges and customer care centres.

Addressing presspersons here, Shubhendu Ghosh, Principal General Manager, BSNL, Bangalore Telecom District, said that during the two-day mela, for landline connections the installation charges of Rs. 250 would be waived and one Power Pack SIM of sale value Rs. 249 would be provided free of cost.

"We will also provide one CLIP instrument as part of the connection without any additional charges, which will be recoverable if the connection is closed," he said.

Increase in bookings

Last year, BSNL provided over 1.66 lakh landline connections. BSNL broadband bookings have also seen an increase.

"We currently hold around 68 per cent of the market share in broadband sector. For the New Year, on broadband services, we will be giving a rebate of Rs. 140 on landline call charges every month for six months," he said.

BSNL will also provide "Games on demand" package free for 15 days, along with the broadband connection. "After 15 days, the service will be disabled, following which customers can register and avail it at a nominal cost," he said.

Discount

BSNL will be providing 20 per cent discount on broadband bills for Government/ employees of Public Sector Undertakings during the two-day mela.

A special package for fixed line phone used for swiping credit/ debit card authorisation will be effective from January 1. Under the package, the installation charges will be Rs. 500 while the fixed monthly charges will be Rs. 450.

During the mela, BSNL will offer a rebate for customers who clear their outstanding bills.

For an outstanding of one to two years, a rebate of 10 per cent will be provided, 15 per cent on two to three years, 25 per cent on three to 10 years and 50 per cent on outstanding more than 10 years.

R. Mani, General Manager, BSNL Mobile Services, said: "We have been able to cross the two million (20 lakh) mark in the State. Owing to the success of Sumo Power Pack scheme, we have launched another scheme — New Power Pack. Another scheme called Sakkath Majaa 499 pack has also been introduced. While the New Power Pack will be valid for two years, the Sakkath Majaa pack will be valid for a year," he said.

A scheme has also been introduced exclusively for the speech and hearing impaired. Under the scheme, the monthly fixed charges will be Rs. 50 with 2,000 free SMS a month and voice calls are barred.

Report

An AC Neilson report gave BSNL a 7.2 out of 10 rating, which is the highest compared with other mobile service providers in the country so far.

sajiv

Thats Great news for the Bsnl Customers

dwarakesh

BSNL increases talk value

TIRUNELVELI: In view of the New Year, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's Tirunelveli Telecom District has increased the talk value for prepaid recharge coupons.

According to General Manager, BSNL's Tirunelveli Telecom District V. Raju, BSNL has offered Rs. 1,125 talk value for the recharge coupon of Rs. 1,000, talk value worth Rs. 3,000 for the recharge coupon of Rs. 2,000, talk value of Rs. 3,750 for the recharge coupon of Rs. 3,000.

For the recharge coupon of Rs. 5,000, the BSNL offers a talk value of Rs. 7,504.

The offer will be valid up to January 16, Mr. Raju said.

dwarakesh

BSNL announces special offer on pre-paid cards

ERODE: As part of the ensuing festive season, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced enhanced talk time on its pre-paid recharge cards.

General Manager V. Sundar told reporters on Friday that on the Rs. 1,124 recharge coupon, a customer who had hitherto been talking for Rs. 1,000 could now do so for Rs. 1,125, which was an increase of Rs. 12.5 per cent.

Similarly, on Rs. 2,247 coupon, a customer could talk for Rs. 3,000, which was Rs. 1,000 or 50 per cent more than what was possible earlier; on the Rs. 3,371 coupon, a subscriber could talk for Rs. 3,750, as against the earlier talk value of Rs. 3,000; and, on the Rs. 5,618 coupon, a subscriber could talk for Rs. 7,504, which was 50 per cent more than the earlier talk value of Rs. 5,000.

He added that the offer was available only till January 16.

For the benefit of mobile subscribers, he said, BSNL had installed 22 towers in the last three months to provide comprehensive coverage in Kamaraj Nagar, Vilakethi, Vadapalani, Brahmadesam, Pandiampalayam, Ayyansalai, Kottupullampalayam, Kemmanaiackenpalayam, Gettiseviyur, Ayyasamy Colony, Sivanmalai, Chinnakadai Veethi, Manakadavu, Pollachi Road junction in Dharapuram, Thalakulam, Ayalur, Poosaripalayam, Ganapathypalayam, R.N. Pudur, Sengodampalayam, M. Metthupalayam and Kozhumangali.

And, for broadband subscribers, BSNL had reduced the price of ADSL modem. A 'Type I' modem would cost only Rs. 1,000 and 'Type II' Rs. 1,600.

For land line/WLL subscribers, the General Manager said by paying upfront 10 months' rent, subscribers could get the service for 12 months, or in other words, BSNL would not charge the service fee for two months.

The service had been introduced from December 1, 2008, and would be available only for a short while.

As for Internet Protocol TV, which the BSNL is introducing in Chennai, the service would be available in Erode shortly, Mr. Sundar added.

Senior BSNL officials were present on the occasion.

dwarakesh

Salem BSNL set to expand operations

SALEM: Salem BSNL has undertaken massive development works to broad base its cell coverage in Salem and Namakkal.

Salem BSNL General Manager T. Sethu Madhavan told the media here on Friday that works were on to install 174 new cell towers in these two districts.

To enhance the WLL coverage, the Salem Secondary Switching Area had also decided to install 33 new towers and extend the deadline for the installation of WLL phones till Jan 31 along with landline phones.

He added that it had been decided to provide 25 per cent additional talk time on the recharge coupons of Rs 1000, Rs 2000, Rs 3000 and Rs 5000 till Jan 16. The prepaid plans of Mega Super and Kurinji also had been extended. Mr. Madhavan said that new equipment was being installed to provide 30,000 additional broad band connections. The works would be completed in another two months. Under the Salem SSA, 133 exchanges in rural areas had the rural broadband facility.

dwarakesh

BSNL seeks ISD termination rates review

BSNL has asked the government to allow Indian telcos to charge foreign operators up to ten times the current rates for terminating
international incoming calls. Saying that this would not impact domestic consumers, BSNL has justified its demand by highlighting that foreign operators, on an average, charge Indian telcos about Rs 3 per minute to terminate outgoing ISD calls in their countries.

But existing regulations do not allow Indian telcos to charge foreign operators more than 30 paise per minute for bringing their calls here. BSNL has also pointed out that the current regulations 'deprived the country of valuable foreign exchange to the tune of Rs 4,000-5,000 crore per annum'.

For example, if an AT&T user in the US or a Telecom Italia customer in Europe were to make a call to a Bharti customer here, Airtel cannot charge AT&T or Telecom Italia more than 30 paise per minute for terminating their call in India. On the other hand, foreign operators charge Indian telcos an average of about Rs 3/minute to terminate ISD calls on their networks.

"The present regulatory regime in India has resulted in drastic reduction in revenue from incoming international calls whereas there is a significant increase in the outflow of revenue to other countries, as foreign telecom operators have not reduced their termination charges because of the favourable and protective regulatory regime in those countries.

This has not only adversely affected the financial viability of telecom service providers in India but has also deprived the country of the valuable foreign exchange to the tune of Rs 4,000-5,000 crore per annum," BSNL has said in its communication to Trai.

BSNL has also demanded that termination charges be reviewed immediately to compensate all operators for the actual costs being incurred by them and also to have parity with their foreign counterparts. It's important that the 'interests of the country at large and that of the Indian telecom sector in particular be protected'.

It is not known if Trai, which is examining the issue, will agree with BSNL's proposal. Further, BSNL has also added that the increased revenue from international incoming calls on account of hiking the termination charge for foreign operators could be used to subsidise local and STD calls within the country.

Until August 2008, BSNL used to receive 50 paise per minute as Access Deficit Charge (ADC) on all international incoming calls to India. BSNL used the ADC proceeds to fund its unviable rural fixedline services which are offered at heavily subsidised rates. But Trai had done away with the ADC levy from September 2008 and said that the government must compensate BSNL for its rural landline operations from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

All telcos pay 5% of their total revenue to the USOF and so far, the unutilised amount in this fund has crossed Rs 20,000 crore. BSNL has further added that since Trai had done away with the ADC levy, it should permit Indian operators to demand higher termination charges from foreign telcos.

dhilipkumar

BSNL to start 3G services in Chennai next month

NEW DELHI: State-run telecom operator BSNL on Wednesday said that it plans to start next generation (3G) mobile services in Chennai and other circles next month.

"We plan to roll-out 3G services by next month," BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal told reporters here. The services are likely to be started from Chennai and other circles.
While announcing the 3G policy, Communication and IT Minister A Raja had given an advantage to telecom PSUs - BSNL and MTNL - of allocating 3G spectrum ahead of others with a condition that both will pay the price equivalent to the highest bid.

This was done keeping in mind the cumbersome process to procure equipment by the PSUs vis-a-vis by the private players. The government has deferred the 3G spectrum auction to January 30, delaying it by 15 days. As per the new revised timeline, the state-run operators might get lead lead over the private operators.

dwarakesh

ICICI Bank in pact with BSNL

MUMBAI: ICICI Bank has entered into an agreement with BSNL Cell One to enable the latter's customers to pay their bills through ICICI Bank's website. Customers can pay from their bank accounts or credit cards and can view online electronic summary of their bills.

dwarakesh

BSNL mela

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will organise a reconnection or new phone collection mela near Ideal Public School, Ramanatham Street, for users under the Machavaram exchange on Wednesday.

Registration for new landline, mobile and broadband connections will be done at the roadshow. Rent will be waived for non-working period in case of reconnection of a disconnected phone.

sajiv

BSNL pensioners' demands

CUDDALORE: The Tamil Nadu BSNL Pensioners' Welfare Association has urged the Department of Telecommunications to pass an order soon for merging 50 per cent of dearness allowance, along with commutation, with pension payment.

Such a measure would enable BSNL pensioners to get the benefit from January 1, 2007 according to K.Venkatramanan, district secretary of the Association.

The pensioners would stage a dharna in front of the General Manager, BSNL, Cuddalore division, on Friday, Mr.Venkatramanan added. — Special Correspondent

sajiv

BSNL calendar

HUBLI: Mayor Radhabai Sapare released the BSNL calendar for 2009 at a function here recently. President of KCCI V.P. Linganagoudar was present. General Manager of Dharwad Telecom District S.S. Sindagi presided over the function.

sajiv

BSNL to use Redback`s SmartEdge family of multi-service edge routers

Currently, BSNL uses Redback`s SmartEdge 800 multi-service edge routers to support 2.5mn broadband subscribers. Under the expansion, BSNL plans to deploy additional Redback SmartEdge 800 multi-service edge routers to support up to 2.5mn more subscribers across India.

Redback Networks, an Ericsson company providing video-centric routers for 75% of the world's largest triple-play networks, has announced that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) of India will use Redback's SmartEdge family of multi-service edge routers as a part of its expansion plan to deliver broadband services to more than 5mn business and residential users.

Currently, BSNL uses Redback's SmartEdge 800 multi-service edge routers to support 2.5mn broadband subscribers. Under the expansion, BSNL plans to deploy additional Redback SmartEdge 800 multi-service edge routers to support up to 2.5mn more subscribers across India.

"BSNL's selection of Redback for its network expansion further validates the technical advantages of our SmartEdge platform and the exceptional service it helps carriers deliver to customers," said Herve Brunet, Vice President of Sales and Operations in Asia for Redback Networks. "India continues to be one of the largest growth opportunities for Redback in greater Asia. Redback and Ericsson are dedicated to helping BSNL build a full service broadband network that will provide the highest quality data, voice and video services to subscribers across this region."

BSNL is the seventh largest telecommunications company in world with more than 70mn wire-line and wireless subscribers. BSNL generated more than US$8bn in revenues last year and reported more than US$2.26bn in net income.


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BSNL expo in Vellore

VELLORE:The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will be conducting an exhibition at the Town Hall here from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

It will have demonstrations on landline, wireless in local loop (WLL), mobile, broadband, Data Card and Public Call Office (PCO) services. New connections will be provided to applicants on the spot and re-connection with special concession provided to disconnected phones. Subscribers can remit their arrears in payment to the BSNL at the exhibition.

dwarakesh

BSNL camp begins today

PUDUCHERRY: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will conduct a two-day special booking campaign for broadband connection from Saturday.

A release said that besides the facility to book broadband connection, customers could avail themselves of all other services through single window clearance. Services that could be availed included WLL life time connection, new life time prepaid card, Bulk SMS scheme, and the newly-launched Managed Network Services.

dwarakesh

BSNL aims for 1000 e-PCOs in Karnataka by March

BSNL aims to have about 1,000 e-PCOs in Karnataka by March which will enable the population of the state quick access to train, bus, air ticket bookings as well as payment of utility bills.

The service is part of an alliance between BSNL, Intel, Itz Cash and PCO Association. The company claims that 500 such e-PCOs have already been booked.

The e-PCO is more than a conventional PCO service and also provides broadband services, says the company.

dwarakesh

New BSNL service

CHENNAI: BSNL Tamil Nadu Circle has announced the introduction of centralised '198' service (landline fault booking) through BSNL mobile network.

An official release stated that the new service, a toll-free one, would come into effect from Pongal day.

It is in addition to the present complaint booking mechanism available for landline customers and will be available round the clock.

The new facility will be available for Tamil Nadu mobile subscribers roaming all over the State and Puduchery, except in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts, the release added.

dwarakesh

BSNL Mobile Thiruvizha

Coimbatore: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is conducting 'BSNL Mobile Thiruvizha' for booking mobile connections with special offers and discounts from January 12 to January 16.

The mela is being conducted near Natarajar temple, Perur, near bus stands at Pollachi and Madathukulam.

BSNL has also announced that the free SMS offer will not be applicable for its mobile subscribers in Tamil Nadu circle for Pongal, Valentines Day and Deepavali.

dwarakesh

BSNL adalat

ERODE: For the telephone adalat to be held in the last week of January, BSNL, Erode, has invited complaints from landline and mobile phone customers.

A release says that customers having complaints that have not been redressed for over three months, shall represent them in writing to P. Narasimhamoorthy, Assistant General Manager (Public Relations), BSNL, Gandhiji Road, Erode 638001 on or before January 15.

The complainants have to mention telephone adalat on the cover.

Grievances meeting

To hear grievances about pubic distribution system, officials will meet the public on January 23 at 10 a.m. at the panchayat unions, says a release. Public have been asked to air grievances, if any, at the meeting.

dwarakesh

BSNL commissions 23 mobile towers

VELLORE: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has commissioned mobile towers in 23 locations to improve cell coverage in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts.

Vellore exchange: Vallalar, Thiruvalam, Latheri and Kalpudur; Ranipet exchange: Pattuthakkam, Sendamangalam, RG Nagar and Walajapet; Chengam exchange: Melmuthanoor and Kuppanatham; Tiruvannamalai exchange: Collectorate and Kashaba Street; Arni exchange: S.V. Nagaram and Keezharasambattu; Polur exchange: Kettavarampalayam; Thiruvathipuram exchange: Bazaar and Ponnur; Vaniyambadi exchange: Andiyappanur, Beemakulam, Muslimpur and Mittoor; Gudiyatham: Ezhilnagar; Jolarpet exchange: S. Kodiyur.

According to a release, the BSNL provides a discount of 20 per cent on broadband service charges (rental and usage) to all the serving and retired government employees of the State and Central governments, and public sector undertakings.

Those who are willing to avail themselves of the facility were requested to furnish an undertaking from their Accounts Officer (Drawal) regarding their bonafide, at the nearest BSNL Customer Service Centre.

The BSNL had waived the installation charges of Rs. 500 for new phone connections.

Out of the deposit amount of Rs. 500, Rs. 250 would be collected at the time of registration, and the balance in two instalments from subsequent bills.

The BSNL had introduced the Tamil Nadu Anant lifetime prepaid scheme (also called as Simply Superb Life Plan) for a period of 90 days from December 31, 2008. The cost of the SIM card was Rs. 67 and activation voucher Rs. 81. It had a free talk value of Rs.10.

The first Adalat of the BSNL for 2009 would be conducted here on January 29. Customers had been requested to send their complaints to V.S. Muthukrishnan, Divisional Engineer (PR), Office of the General Manager, BSNL, Vellore, on or before January 19.

nithyasubramanian

Chennai may get 3G telephony first

CHENNAI: CellOne subscribers in Chennai could be the first in south India to have a taste of 3G mobile telephony with BSNL Chennai Telephones preparing to roll out next generation communications in February.

A technical team of Chinese 3 G terminal vendor Huawei Technologies is currently engaged in installing the infrastructure to support the first tranche of 1.5 lakh 3G lines that would transform the way mobile users access the web.

The projected speeds on the 3G platform are said to be at least 30 times faster than 2G technology.

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi is slated to soft launch 3G services possibly in February first week and the likely dates are being worked out.

According to plan, 3G services would initially be available to CellOne subscribers in Chennai before the rollout is extended to other major cities and towns in the State.

Meanwhile, reports from Delhi indicate that the auctioning of spectrum has been deferred a few weeks beyond the already revised date of January 30 to enable the Centre to fix a higher reserve price for spectrum bands.

Private mobile operators have been demanding a level playing field for launching 3G to negate any early mover advantage that BSNL and MTNL might get.

It is unclear as of now as to how long the telecom department proposes to put the technology on trial before going commercial.

The logistics for ringing in 3 G services featuring high-speed data, video and voice transmission involves setting up an additional 1,000 base transceiver station towers. This would go hand-in-hand with the ongoing drive to augment the 2G network through the commissioning of another 2 lakh lines.

courtesy : The Hindu.
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dwarakesh

BSNL authorises franchisees to collect bills

Madurai: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has authorised its franchisees in Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Cumbum to collect bills for landline and mobile phones.

According to V. K. Sanjeevi, General Manager, Madurai BSNL, customers can pay their bills in cash or in the form of cheque or demand draft in these centres that worked on all seven days.

They can also pay their bills at BSNL customer service centres, designated banks, post offices, direct selling centres and one-stop sanchar shops.
Appeal

The BSNL has also come out with an offer of 20 per cent discount on broadband (rental and usage) charges for employees of Central and State government and public sector undertakings and retired personnel for home connections.

Mr. Sanjeevi, in a press release, appealed to them to approach the nearby customer service centre of the BSNL to avail themselves of the concession.

dwarakesh

BSNL offer

MADURAI: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has authorised its franchisees in Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Cumbum to collect bills for landline and mobile phones.

According to V. K. Sanjeevi, General Manager, Madurai BSNL, customers can pay their bills in cash or in the form of cheque or demand draft in these centres that work on all seven days.

They can also pay their bills at BSNL customer service centres, designated banks, post offices, direct selling centres and one-stop sanchar shops.

The BSNL has also come out with an offer of 20 per cent discount on broadband (rental and usage) charges for central and state government and public sector undertaking employees and retired personnel for connections obtained for their homes.

dwarakesh

Special discounts for BSNL customers in the offing

VIJAYAWADA: Plans are afoot to offer special discounts on tariffs for BSNL mobile phone customers during select hours every day, according to T.N. Sudhindra Kumar, Chief General Manager (CGM) of the BSNL Andhra Pradesh Circle."We have sent a proposal to our headquarters in Delhi. Once we get the nod from them, we will announce the scheme in detail," he said while addressing a press conference at BSNL Bhavan here on Friday, where he inaugurated the renovated 'customer service centre' with a new corporate look.The centre, which works from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all working days, has eight counters for payment of bills and for getting other services. There is a 'help desk' too. One of the counters is meant exclusively for women, senior citizens and the physically challenged. Another counter will take care of the requirements of PCO operators. To effectively address complaints and grievances of customers relating to bills and for faster reconnections, a junior accounting officer has been made available.

Mr. Sudhindra Kumar said that a revised version of the 'Power Pack' scheme for prepaid subscribers was in the offing too. Pointing out that the BSNL AP Circle was working towards meeting the target of providing 12.5 lakh mobile phone connections in the current financial year, he said that it so far provided 6 lakh mobile phone connections and put in place equipment that had the capacity to handle 14.5 lakh connections.

Admitting that competition was tough in the mobile phone segment, Mr. Sudhindra Kumar said improved connectivity was a major advantage for the BSNL to win over other players in the market. Of the annual target of commissioning 1,600 mobile phone towers in the current financial year, the BSNL had already commissioned 1,200 towers across the State. "But we are facing problems in the form of opposition from the public to installation of towers. There are several misconceptions among the public that the radiation from the towers would affect their health. Though this has not been proved scientifically, people are not getting convinced," he said.

On introduction of 3G technology, Mr. Sudhindra Kumar said that the BSNL would provide the technology in 29 cities, including Vijayawada, from May. "We have technical support to provide 3.5 lakh 3G connections," he asserted. To a question on broadband, he said that besides providing the facility in all major cities, the BSNL was also focusing on rural pockets. "We are on the job of acquiring the technology now. Very soon, we will offer the broadband facility to rural areas," he said.

Y-Max soon

Y-Max, the high-speed Internet facility, would be made available in the State in the next few months. "Besides Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra will get this facility, which is being provided by M/s. Soma Limited," he said.

General Manager of the Krishna Telecom District John Chrisostom was also present.

dwarakesh

BSNL's offer

CHENNAI: BSNL-Chennai Telephones has launched a new pre-paid SIM card '3 Star,' with a validity of three years.

The price of the starter pack is Rs.148 and has a talk value of Rs.10, a press release said.

Friends and Family calls to two BSNL numbers would be charged at 25 paise/minute.

Existing pre-paid BSNL customers can migrate to this scheme by sending an SMS M3STAR to 53733.

BSNL's new plan launched

CHENNAI: BSNL Tamil Nadu Circle has launched a Life Time plan with starter pack value of Rs. 10 for pre-paid mobile users.

The Plan can be activated for Rs. 81 with the SIM card costing another Rs. 67.

The user has to do a minimum recharge every six months with top-ups to keep the connection alive.

The limited period offer is on till March 30.

dhilipkumar

BSNL ties-up with TN varsity

Madurai, Jan16 : The BSNL's unit here is entering into a tie-up with the Bharathiar University (BU) to provide Higher Education to its employees and customers at concessional rate.
"This is the first time a PSU is entering into a tie-up with the university for promotion of higher education among its employees and customers with concessions," circle General Manager V.K.Sanjeevi told reporters here. The Shresta Academy for English would be the authorised study of the university.

A formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the GM of BSNL and Vice-Chancellor of the University G.Tiruvasagam.The BSNL customer MBA/MCA distant education students would get a 10 per cent discount on course fee from the academy. For women, 20 per cent discount would be given while corporates with five enrolments would get 15 per cent concession.

On its part, the BSNL would offer a discount of Rs.500 on every new land line WLL or Broadband connection for students.In case of existing customers, CallNow card worth Rs.500 (face value) would be issued freely.

Thiruvasagam said the Central Government's target to ensure At least 20 per cent of the students who passedout of schools entered the higher education in the 11th five year plan period could be reached only through distance education and similar programmes. The Joint venture with the BSNL, at a concessional rate of fee, was being launched to promote higher education among the BSNL employees and customers.

The BSNL employees would have a seperate Lounge which would deal with enrolment, hall tickets etc. In another two years, the BSNL employees would be able to write the examination online and get results also immediately.The MBA course would be offered in 25 diciplines, he said adding BSNL employees would be exempted from contact classes in view of time constraint. - Agencies


SOURCE:CHENNAIONLINE

sajiv

BSNL mela

Vijayawada:

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will organise a reconnection/new connection mela for customers of Ajithsingh Nagar exchange at Dabakotla centre in Ajithsingh Nagar on Tuesday. The customers with phone numbers starting with 240 could avail the opportunity . Payment of security deposit in three instalments and waiver of installation charges of Rs. 500 for new landline connection, and waiver of rent for non-working period of disconnected phones were some of the features .

dwarakesh

"BSNL broadband connection available in Tuticorin"

A 20 per cent rebate in rental and usage charge extended

Tuticorin: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's broadband is available on demand in the urban areas of Tuticorin, including Chidambaranagar, Anna Nagar, Brayant Nagar, Ganesh Nagar, Millerpuram, Teachers Colony, Postal and Telegram (P&T) Colony, Rajiv Nagar, Muthammal Colony, State Bank Colony, Kurinji Nagar, Ezhil Nagar, KTC Nagar, VMS Nagar and Polepettai and urban areas of Kovilpatti town.

Those who have already registered can approach the BSNL customer service centre and get it. A 20 per cent rebate in rental and usage charge has also been extended to all serving and retired Central, State and PSU employees, said N.R. Natarajan, General Manager.

Source: The Hindu

sajiv

BSNL broadband

Kochi:
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited broadband expansion work is in progress in various telephone exchanges and new connection would be provided from February onwards.

Applications for broadband connections will be accepted in various customer service centres and commercial offices in Ernakulam, principal general manager M. Haridasan has said.

sajiv

BSNL single-window system

KOZHIKODE: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) has introduced the single-window system for all complaints related to its telephone bills. The system will function on all working days between 9.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.