Latest BSNL News

[sajiv]

GUNTUR: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has launched desk-top video conferencing facility and promises to launch the next generation technology 3G Services very soon in Guntur town also.Speaking to the mediapersons on the occasion, BSNL General Manager Telecom V. Ramesh said Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP) signalling and call control protocol through Huawei equipment would be used to provide high rate of data transfer, video conferencing, and e-learning facility latest by March 2009.

The web conferencing facility being provided through CEPL Communications can be tested by visiting http://www.bsnl.co.in/service/webcnf.htm and registering for the service that is free for one month initially.This is the latest system that supports the integration of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), legacy public switched telephone network (PSTN), to enable people to obtain high-end value added services. While it would be initially introduced in Guntur city, within another six months extended to Tenali, Bapatla, Repalle and other smaller towns also.

The Guntur district was set to reach a cell tower population of 250 by June next from current 104, exponentially improving the quality of service and fulfilling its carpet coverage promise, he explained through a presentation. While 78 greenfield cell towers (BTs) were under planning and implementation stage for current year, 100 more would be added in the urban areas.

Broadband network had been extended to 101 exchange areas in the district and would be installed in another 57 exchanges by December 31st, he announced. Some network congestion problems were sorted out when Main Switching Centre was inaugurated at Vijayawada in August, but calls to other networks still not materialising with some issues to be sorted out at the POA Exchange at Hyderabad that handles this traffic.

Department of Information Technology selected Vatticherukuru and Guntur city for implementing its Wireless Broadband Technology through BSNL and that could be reality very soon. Another franchisee 'Soma' would also provide broadband internet services in the district. The Guntur unit proposes to organise road shows and meetings in all towns to create product awareness. Grameen 75, Rs.50 per month rent in rural areas had become an instant hit and mobile power pack for Rs.225 with one year validity had good takers.

[sajiv]

Rajahmundry: BSNL celebrated its Formation Day in a grand way on Wednesday. Superintendent of Police Y. Nagireddy was the chief guest for the evening programme.The celebrations began with a blood donation camp organised at Anam Kala Kendram, which was inaugurated by BSNL General Manager G. Raghavendra Rao. Employees came forward to donate blood on the occasion.

A huge cake was also cut by Mr. Raghavendra Rao, DGM Manoj Kumar and other senior officers to mark the occasion. The officers and staff then went to the Government General Hospital and distributed sarees to women in the maternity ward and fruits to in-patients in the general ward. An 'annadanam' was arranged at the old-age home in Bhaskarnagar.Mr. Nagireddy said a life without a telephone, a cell phone in particular, was beyond imagination. "Though the cell phone has robbed policemen of a break from the hectic schedule, it has also made the job of identifying criminals easy," he said, and appreciated the services being rendered by the BSNL.Mr. Raghavendra Rao explained about the broadband, wireless internet cards, triple play and other services that were being offered to customers. Later, the SP released the new telephone directory.

Serving tribals:
VIZIANAGARAM: Two new cellular towers (base transmitting systems) were commissioned at Mondemkhal and Mamidipalli in the district marking the occasion.That apart, four more towers would be commissioned at Balaji lodge (near railway station), Balaji temple (Thotapalem), old bus stand and VUDA Colony in the town by October 14 (Sri Pydithalli Ammavari jatara day), said K. Neelayya, General Manager of Vizianagaram Telecom District at a press conference. These were in addition to two BTS to be commissioned shortly at Vepada and Garugubilli, he said.

Keeping in view the increasing number of cellular connections, Mr. Neelayya said the BSNL had decided to launch services in the Agency region where private operators closed services. He said the number of cellular towers would cross the 100-mark from the present 55 by the end of March next.During the weeklong celebrations, customers, students and faculty members of various educational institutions and other dignitaries could visit the telephone exchanges and other telecom installations for enlightenment. On the last day of the celebrations, a rally would be taken out in Bobbili to create awareness among people on various BSNL services, he said.

Broadband facility: Mr. Neelayya said that broadband facility would be extended to nine more mandals by the end of this month. At present, 2,186 connections were there in the district.Earlier, Collector G. Ram Narayana Reddy inaugurated a blood donation camp organised jointly by the BSNL and the Medical and Health Department. DMHO Ch. Mahesh, District Leprosy Officer S. Chandra Reddy and others were present.

[sajiv]

BSNL to launch new schemes :

Thiruvananthapuram: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited proposes to launch its 'PC bundling with broadband connection' scheme in the State soon. An official press note issued here on Tuesday said the manufacturers selected for the scheme were HCL Infosystems, Acer India, LG Electronics, e-SYS Technologies and Sai Infosystems.

The note said BSNL would provide free installation and free registration fee for those who avail the scheme. Modem rental will be waived. Different plans with attractive offers would be made under the scheme, the release said.The Kerala Telecom Circle would also introduce GSM-based STD/ISD PCOs soon. Visionetk and Accord will be the business partners. The facilities would be available throughout the State.BSNL Kerala would also launch a revised handset bundling scheme in association with COMPANIES like Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and Huewai. The Nokia handset scheme would be launched by the mid October.

[sajiv]

PUDUCHERRY: The two-day celebrations to mark BSNL Day on October 1 began on Wednesday . Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam inaugurated its special mela in front of its office on Rangapillai Street.

BSNL officials said more than 5,000 persons visited the stalls and of which 800 of them enrolled as customers. They have offered facilities including registration for landline connection with free installation charges, instantaneous WLL/prepaid GSM mobile and reconnection of disconnected telephones without any penalty. The mela as well as the contest for BSNL customers would continue on Thursday.

[sajiv]

CHENNAI: Akshaya Homes has associated itself with BSNL to offer landline connections exclusively for the 400 residential apartments. According to a release, BSNL has set up a mini telephone exchange and through this facility all houses in Adair, Chennai will be equipped with landline connections along with broadband facility and Wi-fi service.

[Kalyan]

BSNL dials BlackBerry, Apple for 3G rollout

The much sought-after 3G iPhone and BlackBerry may soon be available in the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) network.

The country's largest telecom service provider, BSNL, is in talks with Apple and BlackBerry to launch the services in India in its own network.

According to BSNL executives, talks with BlackBerry are at an advanced stage and this handset is likely to be available to BSNL's customers by the year-end.

On the other hand, subscribers on the PSU's networks may have to wait longer for access the 3G iPhone as talks with Apple are still lingering in preliminary stage, BSNL executives added.

If BSNL were to tie-up with Apple, the state owned telco would be the third player after Airtel and Vodafone to offer 3G iPhone in India.

However, BSNL will be the first player in the Indian market to offer 3G service on the iPhone. Airtel and Vodafone will only have 3G spectrum if they bag these radio frequencies in the upcoming auctions.

The government has already granted BSNL 3G radio frequencies and the telco is expected to launch high-end services on its 3G network early next year.

"We are in talks with Apple to launch 3G iPhone in our network since we will be the first ones to launch the 3G services here. We are also awaiting the launch of BlackBerry in our network by end of this year,"said BSNL CMD, Kuldeep Goyal.

[sajiv]

LAUDING THEIR GOOD WORK: Awardees of BSNL 'Vishisht Sanchar Seva Padak-2008' with Chief General Manager Chennai Telephones M.P. Velusamy; Chief General Manager Southern Telecom Projects P.R. Ananthan; Member (Technology) Telecom Commission, New Delhi, K. Sridhara; Chief General Manager Southern Telecom Region S. Raghavan and Principal General Manager (Development) Tamil Nadu Telecom Circle D. Varadarajan in Chennai on Friday.

CHENNAI: BSNL Chennai Telephones will soon place orders for 1.5 lakh 3G lines as it prepares to roll out next generation mobile telephony of high-speed data, video and voice transmission by March 2009.In the initial phase of a massive GSM expansion, 3G will be available to CellOne subscribers in Chennai and a few towns in the Chengalpattu area, according to development goals laid out during the presentation ceremony of the 'Vishisht Sanchar Seva Padak Awards 2008' here on Friday.

The total number of 2G and 3G lines slated to be commissioned during the next financial year is over 6 lakh. The logistics for implementing this ambitious target will involve erecting 1,000 more 2G and 3G towers, which will mostly be co-located. For augmenting the 2G network by another 2 lakh lines, Chennai Telephones plans to lay out 223 additional towers.When the infrastructure is put in place, inter-distance between any two towers of the BSNL network will be 300 meteres in Chennai and about 3 km in rural areas. Wi-MAX technology, which will usher in broadband wireless access, is also high on the agenda of Chennai Telephones. Indications are that the facility will be available in the city in the next financial year. The BSNL corporate office in Delhi has already called for expression of interest to give final shape to the partnering franchisees.

Presenting the awards for meritorious service to staff in southern telecom region, southern telecom projects, Tamil Nadu circles and Chennai Circle, K. Sridhara, Member (Technology), Telecom Commission, sought a change in the mindset that management and unions were different entities. The leadership of administration and unions should complement each other in evolving innovative ideas and seizing opportunities from a challenging situation.

Mr. Sridhara lauded the dedicated efforts of employees in putting BSNL in the forefront of the telecom revolution.M.P. Velusamy, Chief General Manager, Chennai Telephones, said the city's tele-density of 97 per cent, involving 10 lakh mobile and 10 lakh fixed lines, was the highest in the country, a feat made possible by sincere efforts of the employees.He said in the last three years, broadband growth was phenomenal with over 2 lakh connections issued. He reiterated BSNL's commitment to introduce 3G in Chennai in the first quarter of 2009. The launch of IPTV was also scheduled shortly in the city.D. Varadarajan, principal general manager Tamil Nadu Telecom Circle, said BSNL had to constantly expand its bouquet of multifarious services to stay ahead of the competition.

P.R. Ananthan, Chief General Manager, Southern Telecom Projects, stressed the importance of sustaining quality of services and customer care alongside the proposed rollout of technologies such as IPTV and WiMAX coupled with CDR-based billing.S. Raghavan, Chief General Manager (maintenance), Southern Telecom Region, said the infrastructure involving 60,000 km of optic fibre cable across south India and 10 lakh capacity circuitry helped maintain interconnection among the 85 trunk automatic exchanges.

[sajiv]

CUDDALORE: The pensioners of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. have launched a postcard campaign to urge the Centre to concede their demand on the dearness allowance issue.The Cuddalore chapter of the Tamil Nadu BSNL Pensioners' Welfare Association held here on Sunday under S. Abdul Khader, district president, adopted a resolution.

It called upon the Centre to issue an early order for 50 per cent industrial dearness allowance merger for pensioners as in the case of the serving employees. Those who participated on the occasion included D. Gopalakrishnan, V. Ramarao, Tamil Nadu circle president and secretary, K. Ilangovan, Divisional Engineer (Marketing) and others.

[sajiv]

BSNL offer in Tuticorin:

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has introduced a special additional talk time offer to its prepaid customers in view of Navartri Festival.They will get 25 per cent and 12 per cent more talk time for the selected denomination recharge coupons. The Rs.1000 and Rs.3000 denomination recharge coupons will give Rs. 1125 and Rs. 3750 talk time time respectively. At the same time, the customer who purchases Rs.5000 recharge card will get Rs.7504 value talk time. The special offer came into effect from October 1 and would end on October 30, according to a press release.

[sajiv]

BSNL erects 26 more cellphone towers

MANGALORE: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has commissioned cellphone towers at 26 places in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.The places are: Kakkunje; Alike; Kedila; Manchi; Pervai; Puncha; Kanchana Bajathur; Kaniyoor; Kodlambady; Panaje; Guttigar; Ivarnadu; Markanja; P.A. College; Mallur; Hosabettu; Naravi; Adyar; Perlamapady; Jalsoor; Honnala; Cherkadi; Areshiruru; Chittur; Manipura; and Shiriyara.

The Dakshina Kannada Telecom district of BSNL has in a press release appealed to the people in these areas to opt for BSNL cellphones.This is part of an expansion plan to erect 100 towers. The BSNL proposes to commission another 170 towers in the next phase of the expansion programme. According to the company, 58 CDMA or WLL-based towers are working in the two districts and more towers will be added shortly. With that, the wireless connectivity will be available in almost all parts of the two districts.On the broadband spread, the release said that 215 of the 250 exchanges had been covered and the rest would follow within two months.

Centrex facility: The BSNL has announced that the Centrex facility would be available in Kadri exchange area or for the phone numbers beginning with 221. This meant that several houses could be interlinked with intercom facility where telecom calls would not be separately charged. Consequent on this advancement, the subscribers would have to re-register their dynamic locking code. Those facing difficulty could call on 2221555 for assistance, the release said.

The company launched a new promotional activity in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

[sajiv]

BSNL Mela at Kasaragod

KASARAGOD: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) is organising a 'BSNL Mela,' an exhibition-cum-sale of its services and products, at Kasaragod Telephone Bhavan here on October 6 and 7.At a press conference here on Friday, divisional engineer Sukumaran said the mela would begin at 10 a.m. on both days and would close at 7 p.m. Manjeswaram MLA C.H. Kunhambu would officially inaugurate the mela on October 6. Kasaragod municipal chairperson Befathima Ibrahim would perform the first sale. Opposition leader in the municipality P. Ramesh would perform the second sale.

BSNL officials said the mela was being organised for customers under various exchanges in Kasaragod taluk. Pre-paid and post-paid mobile connections under various schemes of the BSNL would be available to customers at the mela. Applications for broadband connections would be accepted. Broadband connection on purchase of a computer from Hindustan Computers Ltd. (HCL) would also be facilitated at the mela.

Arrangements for redressing consumer grievance would also be made. Consumers could avail themselves of reconnection of disconnected telephones under attractive terms at the mela. BSNL Kannur SSA general manager S.S. Thampy would be present throughout the mela.

[sajiv]

BSNL Day



Awards: Chief Secretary P.J. Thomas distributing awards at a function organised in connection with BSNL Day at the Kanakakkunnu Palace in the city on Friday.

[Kalyan]

BSNL to launch IPTV in Nashik for broadband customers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has decided to provide its broadband customers Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) starting this Diwali.

"IPTV service is likely to be launched in Nashik early next month for broadband customers," BSNL's General Manager Ashok Veer told reporters on the sidelines of the 'BSNL Mela' held here.

The service will include 99 video channels and 14 audio channels, he said.

The event is being held here from October 7 to 10 to provide all our services under one roof for the customers, Veer said.

The company completed eight years of service this month, he added.

[Kalyan]

BlackBerry, 3G iPhone may come on BSNL network

The much sought-after 3G iPhone and Blackberry may soon be available in the state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) network.

BSNL, the country's largest telecom service provider, is in talks with Apple and BlackBerry to launch the services in India in its own network. According to BSNL executives, talks with BlackBerry are at an advanced stage and this handset is likely to be available to BSNL's customers by the year-end.

On the other hand, subscribers on the PSU's networks may have to wait longer to access the 3G iPhone as talks with Apple are still lingering in preliminary stage, BSNL executives added.

If BSNL were to tie up with Apple, the state owned telco would be the third player after Airtel and Vodafone to offer 3G iPhone in India. However, BSNL will be the first player in the Indian market to offer 3G service on the iPhone.

Airtel and Vodafone will only have 3G spectrum if they bag these radio frequencies in the upcoming auctions. The government has already granted BSNL 3G radio frequencies and the telco is expected to launch high-end services on its 3G network early next year.

"We are in talks with Apple to launch 3G iPhone in our network since we will be the first ones to launch the 3G services here. We are also awaiting the launch of BlackBerry in our network by end of this year. By then the security issues surrounding it will be hopefully resolved," said BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal.

With the launch of 3G iPhone and Blackberry on BSNL network, the industry is also expecting a price cut, especially considering that the PSU is considered as the service provider catering to common man.

While the pricing of iPhone continues to be a sales dampener, both private players, Airtel and Vodafone, are now offering soft loans via EMI schemes to offer the iPhone to their customers. Mr Goyal did not comment on whether BSNL would pre-install some of its applications in the iPhone.

Analysts said with high growth in the Indian market, it was essential for Apple to join hands with as many operators as possible. In fact, India is perhaps the only country where Apple had tied up with two of the biggest GSM operators for its launch.

Airtel and Vodafone's combined subscriber base is over 126 million which is more than the population of Europe's most-populated country, Germany (82 million) and mobile density in India is just 27% right now.

[Kalyan]

BSNL launches mobile backup system in two states

State-run telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched "mobile backup system" in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, a top comp
any official here said.

The new system would help BSNL subscribers retrieve their contact numbers in case of losing the cell phone.

"More than the cost of the handset, what hurts a person the most on losing a mobile phone is the loss of his or her contacts. But they don't have to bother any longer if they subscribe to our newly launched service, provided at a nominal cost of Re.1 a day," BSNL general manager of Bhopal circle Mahesh Shukla told IANS.

"The loss in terms of the cost of handset may pinch you, but you don't have to worry about your important contact numbers if you subscribe this service as it would help BSNL subscribers to retrieve their phone numbers," he added.

Most of the mobile service providers are now focusing on value-added services to attract maximum number of customers, and this is one of them, he said.

"However, they would be able to retrieve only phone book numbers at present, and not the other things like music, photos and videos," Shukla said.

To activate the service, GPRS subscribers would be required to send an SMS typing 'SUB' or 'HELP' to 58989 or they can also access it at "http//minv.bsnl.onmobile.com".

BSNL has set a target of providing 80,000 new GSM mobile connections, 10,900 landline connections and 9,500 broadband connections by March 31, 2009.

[sajiv]

BSNL expo opens today

VELLORE: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Vellore, will be conducting an exhibition at the Town Hall here on Monday and Tuesday in connection with the celebration of its eighth anniversary.

According to a release, registration of all BSNL services would be done at the exhibition. Can. Mega Super Plan SIM card worth Rs.249 would be available for Rs.149, general prepaid card worth Rs.203 for Rs.100, and Kurinchi SIM card (valid upto 2020) worth Rs.249 for Rs.100. Customers could pay outstanding dues at the exhibition and avail themselves of special discounts towards payment of the dues.

Other special features of the exhibition are that the installation charge of Rs.500 would be waived for new landline/WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) connections.There would be a lucky draw for visitors, with prizes being given to the winners. The exhibition would be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days.

[sajiv]

BSNL has launched mobile schemes

Mobile scheme launched:
Hubli: BSNL has launched mobile schemes under the brand name "Sumo Power Pack" at Rs. 249. Under the schemecustomers will get 500 free SMSs a month and two years validity without any daily rentals.

[sajiv]

BSNL partners BT for managed telecom services

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today said it has partnered with BT to provide a complete range of managed telecom services.The services include basic, leased line and local lead services, MPLS VPN services, Internet, mobile and broadband services to customers, according to a statement.The joint capabilities of the companies will help customers improve their business outcomes. Also, the partnership will focus on offering end to end services for large transformational projects and help raise the bar in the networked IT industry.

As part of the deal, BSNL will provide BT with access to its pan India broadband network as well as seamless access services, including the access to value added services and a single point of resolution for all queries and fault management services.Besides, BSNL will get access to BT's global MPLS network and its managed service expertise which includes network integration, managed security, managed datacenter, hosted CRM and contact centre and remote infrastructure management services.

[VelMurugan]

BlackBerry, iPhone on BSNL soon

NEW DELHI: The country's largest telecom service provider, BSNL, is gearing up to bring BlackBerry and Apple's 3G iPhone to its customers.

According to company officials, the state-owned BSNL is in talks with Apple and BlackBerry to launch the services on its network.

While talks with BlackBerry are reported to be at an advanced stage, the talks with Apple are still in preliminary stages. In fact, BSNL users can expect to lay their hands on BlackBerry handsets by the end of the year.

If BSNL were to tie up with Apple, the company would be the third player after Airtel and Vodafone to offer 3G iPhone in India.

However, BSNL will be the first player in the Indian market to offer 3G services on the iPhone right from its launch. As BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) are the first two government operators to get 3G licence. BSNL along with MTNL was given a head-start by the Department of Telecom (DoT) to roll out 3G services in the country.

MTNL is reportedly installing 1.5 million 3G lines in the first phase in Delhi and Mumbai and plans to tie up with the content providers on revenue-sharing basis to enrich its high-end services.

According to company officials, MTNL's network should be ready in the next two months in Delhi and four months in Mumbai.

Airtel and Vodafone will only have 3G spectrum if they bag these radio frequencies in the upcoming auctions. The government has already granted BSNL 3G radio frequencies and the telco is expected to launch high-end services on its 3G network early next year.

With the launch of 3G iPhone and Blackberry on BSNL network, the industry is also expecting a price cut, considering that the PSU is considered as the service provider catering to common man.

Analysts said with high growth in the Indian market, it was essential for Apple to join hands with as many operators as possible. In fact, India is perhaps the only country where Apple had tied up with two of the biggest GSM operators for its launch.

Source : IndiaTimes

[Kalyan]

BSNL to launch IPTV in Nashik for broadband customers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has decided to provide its broadband customers Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) starting this Diwali.

"IPTV service is likely to be launched in Nashik early next month for broadband customers," BSNL's General Manager Ashok Veer told reporters on the sidelines of the 'BSNL Mela' held here.

The service will include 99 video channels and 14 audio channels, he said.

The event is being held here from October 7 to 10 to provide all our services under one roof for the customers, Veer said.

The company completed eight years of service this month, he added.

[dwarakesh]

BHARAT Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has inked an agreement with BT to provide managed network services to enterprises in a bid to strengthen its information and communications technology (ICT) offerings.

The two companies will provide full range of services including basic, leased line, MPLS VPN services, Internet, mobile and broadband services. Last month, BSNL had announced a similar agreement with Cable&Wireless. As part of this, BSNL will offer BT access to its pan-India broadband network as well as seamless access services. The partnership also gives BT access to value added services as well as a single point of resolution for all queries and fault management services.

BSNL will get access to BT's global MPLS network and managed service expertise which includes, for example, network integration, managed security, managed datacenter, hosted contact centre and remote infrastructure management services.

"The BT-BSNL partnership brings together the world-class capabilities of both companies to provide a comprehensive IT and communications service capability in a single service offering. This provides customers with improved service, increased flexibility and reduced risks," BT India MD Sudhir Narang said in a statement in Mumbai.

"As BSNL transforms into a premier integrated communications service provider, a robust managed service offering is key to our future operations, " BSNL CMD Kuldeep Goyal said. This partnership will also focus on offering end-to-end services for large transformational projects and help raise the bar in the networked IT industry, the release said.

[sajiv]

BSNL to start new mode of bill payment

ALAPPUZHA: In an effort to reduce telephone bill-related hassles to its customers, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is trying out a new model of bill delivery and payment, that too free of cost. According to T. Natarajan, General Manager of the BSNL's Alappuzha, the experiment would involve BSNL staff going directly to the homes/offices of customers to deliver the bills.

The customers can either pay bill by crossed cheques in the name of the 'Accounts Officer (Cash), BSNL, Alappuzha' or receive the bill and pay as per their own convenience before the last date. Customers can also present their grievances to the staff.The model, Mr. Natarajan said, would be tried out on an experimental basis in the Haripad, Karuvatta, Muttam, Pallipad, Veeyapuram, Karthikapally and Thrikkunnapuzha telephone exchanges under the Haripad division. There would be no extra charges levied for the service, he said.

Meanwhile, as part of the BSNL's plans to expand the reach of its broadband services, immediate connections would be given to broadband applicants from the exchanges of Mavelikara, Edathua, Karuvatta, Pallipad, Veeyapuram, Thycattussery, Arattupuzha, Vallikkunnu, Kavalam, Nedumudi and Arthunkal.

Further details on the immediate broadband connections were available from the respective customer service centres, Mr. Natarajan said.

[sajiv]

BSNL-BT tie-up for managed telecom services

NEW DELHI: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) said it has partnered with British Telecom (BT) to provide a complete range of managed telecom services.The services include basic, leased line and local lead services, MPLS VPN services, Internet, mobile and broadband services to customers, according to a statement. The joint capabilities of the companies will help customers improve their business outcomes. Also, the partnership will focus on offering end to end services for large transformational projects and help raise the bar in the networked IT industry.

As part of the deal, BSNL will provide BT with access to its pan India broadband network as well as seamless access services, including the access to value added services and a single point of resolution for all queries and fault management services.Besides, BSNL will get access to BT's global MPLS network and its managed service expertise which includes network integration, managed security, managed datacenter, hosted CRM and contact centre and remote infrastructure management services.

[sajiv]

BSNL gives connectivity to 23 engineering colleges

TIRUCHI: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has provided 8 mbps connectivity to 23 engineering colleges under Anna University-Tiruchi, according to A. Balraj, Principal General Manager, BSNL, Tiruchi.The connectivity has been provided as per a memoranda of understanding signed with the colleges through which they can enjoy facilities such as virtual classrooms, tele-conferencing and direct interface with the Vice-Chancellor, Mr.Balraj told reporters here on Tuesday.

The agreements provide for offering hands on training to students of engineering colleges in the BSNL. Students, from other institutions, who wish to undergo the training can approach the administration department of the BSNL for further information.The BSNL was offering 20 per cent discount on rent for six months (from the date of activation) for all new customers who book new broadband connections until the end of this month. The Tiruchi BSNL had about 14,000 wired broadband connections and it was planning to increase it to 40,000 connections by the end of this financial year after the commissioning of additional equipment.

BSNL was offering high speed Internet connectivity of up to 144 kbps for CDMA (code division multiple access) Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) customers. Data service would be offered through the network so that bank branches and other institutions were able to utilise the facility. The service could be a back up for existing data leased lines wherever ISDN backup was not operational. Banks could avail 64 kbps data leased lines wherever circuits on wired line was not feasible and could use it for mobile ATMs in urban and rural areas.

It has planned to provide connectivity under WLL to primary health centres and government schools/ educational institutions. A new exchange was being planned at Govindapuram near Ariyalur to cater to the needs of the new cement factories coming up there. Internet usage charge for dial-up connections has been waived up to October 31. Twenty-four of the 83 new mobile base tower stations planned in the city have been commissioned so far and the remaining would be erected by the end of December.

[sajiv]

BSNL blood donation camp:

ANDHRA PRADESH:On the concluding day of BSNL formation week, a voluntary blood donation camp was organised at Door Sanchar Bhavan, Abids, on Tuesday. As many as 40officials donated blood, according to a release.

[sajiv]

Festival offers from BSNL

VIJAYAWADA: As part of its eighth anniversary day celebrations, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has offered a slew of festive offers, which include rental rebate of 20 per cent to users taking broadband connections during this month.A zero rent plan has also been introduced in the telephone exchange areas covered by the present scheme of Rs. 110 rental per month.

BSNL Krishna telecom district general manager John Chrisostom said the motto of the BSNL continued to be providing urban telecommunication services in rural areas as well. To meet this goal, one lakh cellular connections will be made available in rural areas in Krishna telecom district.The BSNL had no competition in providing broadband services in villages, he said.

Infrastructure: Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mr. Chrisostom said by December, all infrastructure facilities needed for providing broadband in rural areas would be completed so as to cover all rural areas.

[sajiv]

BSNL to erect 80 cell towers by 2009

Nellore: To provide better coverage to customers, BSNL has set a target to install 80 Base Trans Receive stations (BTS)/cell towers by the end of 2009, said Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district telecom general manager C.V. Rathnam.Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, he said, now BSNL is covering about 65 per cent of the rural areas in the district through 94 BTS and out of the 80 towers proposed this year, 29 were already commissioned at various places. The district telecom management has planned for 108 more BTS during the year 2009-10, for providing 100 per cent coverage for BSNL cell users and the Ministry of Telecom has granted approval for the works.

New towers: The new towers would come up in rural areas in Atmakur, Chittamur, Kavali, Nellore, Udayagiri, Podalakur, Marripadu, Tada, Rapur and other mandals. This year, the officials are planning to issue 15,000 land phones, 15,000 WLL phones, 70,000 mobile connections and 20,000 broadband connections. The marketing personnel are organising melas to enlighten the public on different schemes being offered by the company, said Mr Rathnam.

BSNL is offering 20 per cent discount for six months to the consumers who take broadband connections between October 1 to 31, 2008. The company is also providing rent-free landline phones for two years on payment of Rs. 250. The scheme is being offered only during this month.Likewise, the company has announced broadband, unlimited offers for its business and home plans. Other schemes like, 'Grameen-75', 'Sulabh Rs. 99' and providing landline and WLL phones, free of cost are the other facilities being extended by BSNL, the GM added.Deputy General Manager (Operations) A. Venkateswara Rao, DGM (Finance) S. Penchalaiah and other officials were present.

[sajiv]

BSNL eyes rural base

TIRUPATI: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a host of new schemes with an eye on the burgeoning rural customer base.'Gramin 75', an optional plan has been introduced in exchanges with a capacity between 1,000 and 29,999 lines, while the fixed monthly charges for 'Sulabh plan' in exchanges having more than 29,999 lines have been brought down from Rs.120 to Rs.99 for both Fixed/WLL connections.

Similarly, a new no-rental scheme has been launched on August 1, on promotional basis for 90 days for remote villages with a capacity of less than 1,000 connections. "Our existing customers can also shift to this plan and vice-versa," S. Balachandran, General Manager of BSNL's Tirupati Telecom District announced on Tuesday.

The free CLI-based Dialup Internet Access for PSTN customers is on offer up to October 31. Similarly, the prepaid CDMA WLL services now came with roaming facility with plans for Rs.1,675, Rs.1,825 and Rs.2,325 with a free talk time of Rs.900 and validity of 90 days.

[Kalyan]

BSNL gears up for global 3G, prepaid and GPRS roaming

Ahead of its 3G services launch, state-run BSNL is getting ready to offer international roaming facility to its subscribers for prepaid, GPRS and 3G services.

Presently, international roaming facility for BSNL subscribers consists of having a triple solution in SIM Cards for postpaid users.

One solution is for the home network, other for international roaming through 'Direct International Roaming Agreements' with foreign operators and the third by piggy- backing on an existing international roaming service provider hub.

A senior BSNL official said, as of now BSNL has signed GSM international roaming agreements for 339 networks in 170 countries, out of which 164 networks in 94 countries have been commercially launched for postpaid customers only.

Connectivity has been established with a leading global GRX service provider for GPRS international roaming services. Testing with each of the operators is required for launching the GPRS international roaming services.

Prepaid and 3G international roaming services are in the process of being launched in the BSNL network and accordingly the testing and launching of these services would also be involved, he said.

The direct agreements of BSNL involves only one set of testing for whole of BSNL with the foreign operators for postpaid services. For GPRS, Prepaid and 3G services testing would involve the four zones of BSNL. All the testing would be carried out from BSNL's Kolkata office.

BSNL has invited proposals from companies for carrying out testing in regard to international roaming service with the foreign GSM mobile operators and subsequent commercial launch of the service.

[sajiv]

New BSNL service centres opened

TIRUNELVELI: To commemorate the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's formation day, which usually falls on October 1, a number of new mobile phone customer service centres and bill payment facilities were commissioned on October 7.

According to General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited's Tirunelveli Telecom District, V. Raju, starting from October 7, in addition to the cell phone customer care centres already functioning at the General Manager's Office at Vannarpet, Sankarankoil and Tenkasi, all BSNL cell phone services can be obtained at Palayamkottai telephone exchange and Tirunelveli Central Telegraph Office also.Moreover, arrangements have been made for immediate activation of all new cell phone connections at the existing customer service centers at Ambasamudram and Valliyoor.

At Thisaiyanvilai telephone exchange, arrangements have been made for telephone and cell phone bill payment throughout the month.In addition, arrangements have been made for telephone and cell phone bill payment after pay by date at Puliyangudi and Cheranmahadevi telephone exchanges.All BSNL telephone and cell phone customers can avail these new facilities from October 7 onwards, Mr. Raju said.

[sajiv]

BSNL expo begins today in Polur

VELLORE: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited will be conducting an exhibition at R.V.K. Mahal, Veerappan Street, near the Anna statue at Polur between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

According to a release, registration of all BSNL services would be done at the exhibition. Mega Super Plan SIM card worth Rs.249, General Prepaid card with 3-month validity worth Rs.203 and Kurinchi SIM card (validity up to 2020) worth Rs.249 would be available for Rs.100 each. Customers could pay the outstanding dues and avail themselves of special discounts towards payment of dues at the exhibition. Installation charge of Rs.500 would be waived for new landline/Wireless in Local Loop connection. There would be a lucky draw for visitors. The winner would be given a Nokia mobile phone.

P.S. Vijayakumar, Polur MLA, would inaugurate the exhibition under the presidentship of P.T. Mathew, General Manager, BSNL, Vellore.

[sajiv]

BSNL to connect every village by 2010

WARANGAL: The BSNL has embarked on massive task of doubling its infrastructure to provide telephone and Internet facility to every village in the district by 2010.

General Manager, K. Narender, told The Hindu that they already have a 1,000 kilometre cable which was built over a decade. Presently, the BSNL is laying another 1,000 kilometre which is expected to be complete by next year. It was also erecting 120 cellular phone towers to the existing 97 towers across the district."Our aim is to provide connection to every village with 1,000 population in the district. There will be no place left uncovered by the BSNL by 2010," Mr. Narender said.

Mr Narender also came up with a novel idea to expedite the work on erecting cell towers in the rural areas. Departing from the conventional procedure of acquiring land on rent from the property owners, he motivated the public representatives to influence their cadre in the villages. The local sarpanch or active party worker of any political party to come forward to donate the small piece of land required for erecting the cell tower. "We are fortunate that response from public representatives is very good. Of the 120 proposals, we got 50 letters from villages where people agreed to donate the land for free to BSNL."

[dwarakesh]

PM to open 3G cell services in December

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will make the first call signalling the inauguration of the third generation cell phone services in the country in December, Union Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja said on Friday.

In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi will inaugurate the facility on Pongal day, he told journalists here. Both Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited will get 3G spectrum allotted ahead of the auctions. This is to ensure that both the public sector companies will be able to complete the roll-out with the private sector players, who will get spectrum allotted after an auction.

"The government procedures are such that unless we begin now, the process of finalising tenders and related works cannot be completed on time. If BSNL and MTNL are not allotted spectrum now, they will not be able to do the roll-out when the private operators do it," said Mr. Raja.

This is a case of positive discrimination which has the approval of all parties, including the telecom unions, he said.

The new generation cell phones will be able to process multimedia data, both voice and video.

It has a base band processor and a multi-standard radio interface and is a "rich man's" tool, Mr. Raja said.

He added that an agency for the open e-auction has been finalised. Mumbai-based Rothschild and Sons will conduct the auctions. The auctions will have to be completed three months from now since the norms laid down stipulate that the auctions will have to be done within three months from the date of finalisation of the agency that is to conduct the auctioning.

Delay in allocation

Mr. Raja agreed that there has been inordinate delay in the allocation of 3G spectrum.

"The recommendations for allocating 3G spectrum were made in 2006. Till I assumed charge of the Ministry, no action was taken on it," he said. Those who were criticising him now using the media at their disposal, would do well to remember their record while in office.

Asked if any action was being contemplated against those who wilfully tried to hide the fact that there was enough spectrum available in the country to be shared among new players, he said a Member of Parliament had given a complaint to the Prime Minister in this regard. This complaint has been forwarded to his Ministry for comments.

The allegations of wrongdoing in his Ministry in a section of the Tamil media were a well-planned and rehearsed assault on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, he said. The party was an important constituent of the UPA at the Centre and its Ministers had come in for commendation for their work.

A small section of persons could not bear this and were spreading canards against the DMK and its Ministers. The people of the State will give them a befitting reply, he added.

'No favouritism'

On the question of grant of licences to new operators for 2G services, Mr. Raja asserted that there was no favouritism in the selection of any operator.

"It's all been done in a transparent manner and is available for anyone for verification," he said.

Source: The Hindu

[dwarakesh]

BSNL to provide new facilities

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) plans to cover 12,436 customers in the district under the Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (G-PON) in the first phase. Principal General Manager of the Coimbatore SSA A. Shajahan told presspersons here on Tuesday that 400 premises had been identified for this purpose.

Higher bandwidth

Coimbatore District had optical network for 300 km here and 100 km in Tirupur. With the new facility, higher bandwidth would be available to customers. Currently, broadband was available at 132 telephone exchanges and 31,236 connections had been provided.

Capacity expansion

With demand going up for broadband connections, capacity expansion was planned at Saibaba Colony, Thudiyalur, Tirupur, Pollachi, Bharathiar University, Kurichi, Ramanathapuram, TVS Nagar, Ganapathy, Kovaipudur, PN Palayam and Peelamedu. In two months, capacity would be upgraded to provide 30,000 more connections.

Mobile connections

It was also proposed to provide 40,000 mobile connections under the 3G spectrum in Coimbatore and Tirupur.

New exchanges were planned at Kanuvai, Kalampalayam, Karumathampatti, Chinnavedampatti and Sulur Air Force. Further, this year 24,000 more CDMA WLL connections would be provided. Under mobile connections, 14 new cell towers were commissioned during the last two months.

Cell sites

As many as 270 cell sites were working in Coimbatore SSA. Additional 36 cell sites were expected to be commissioned in another two months. Customer service centres were also being upgraded in the district.
'Mega Super Plan'

BSNL had launched mobile prepaid 'Mega Super Plan' and new booster cards for the prepaid mobile customers. It was offering free internet access to Netone customers for two months. Customers should pay only internet use charges. The offer was open to new and existing customers till October 31. It was signing a memorandum of understanding with engineering colleges. So far, it had signed agreements with 10 colleges and planned to do so with 43 colleges in the district. While the BSNL supported the institutions for training programmes, the institutions helped in marketing.

[sajiv]

BSNL offer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: BSNL is offering a 20 per cent discount on monthly fixed charges for six months for new broadband connections as a Puja gift, according to BSNL General Manager (Marketing), Amit Misra. The offer is valid for new broadband connections taken and activated on or before October 31

[sajiv]

Chennai Telephones plans 1000 BTS towers for 2G, 3G services

CHENNAI: BSNL Chennai Telephones will place orders for 3G equipment on Friday.The equipment include 3G-supporting Base Transceiver Stations, Mobile Station Equipment, antennae and feeder cables. The Indian Telephone Industries has been mandated to supply the equipment.Chennai Telephones will launch 3G with an initial base of 1.5 lakh lines and hopes to scale it up exponentially as more mobile users subscribe to the high-speed features of voice, video-on-demand and wireless broadband on the mobile, Chennai Telephones told The Hindu.

The department plans to install a network of about 1,000 BTS towers for 2G and 3G services, of which about 25 per cent will be stand-alone towers supporting third generation telephony. A majority of 3G equipment to be purchased will be co-located with existing 2G towers. A clutch of 50 towers in the network will be exclusively dedicated for improving in-building coverage.Land acquisition procedures relating to about 300 new BTS sites was progressing and was expected to be available with the department by November, an official said.

The BSNL's national plan is to launch 3G services first in the East and North sectors in December and follow it up with the South and West regions. Union Communications Minister A. Raja had recently indicated at a press conference here that 3G services were slated for launch in the country in December and in Chennai on Pongal Day. BSNL, along with MTNL, are being allocated 3G spectrum ahead of private players for whom an auction will be held soon. According to a BSNL official, Chennai's 3G network will have a dedicated signal pathway involving a set of major exchanges. Separate media gateways for 3G are likely to be positioned at major telephone exchanges such as Haddows Road, Mambalam, Harbour, Anna Road and Flower Bazaar.

BSNL will initially rollout 3G services for subscribers in Chennai and Chengalpattu. The GSM expansion targets in 3G and 2G services for the next financial year is 6.1 lakh lines.With the line expansion and installation of additional towers, BSNL expects to narrow down the distance between any two transmission towers to 300 metres in Chennai and 3 kms in rural areas of Tamil Nadu.

[VelMurugan]

BSNL delays its IPO plan

State-owned telcom company BSNL has been forced to shelve its proposed $10 billion public offer, slated to be the largest in the country, in the aftermath of the global market meltdown and liquidity crisis.

Moreover, the telco has been unable to take all the employee unions on board. The listing is unlikely to happen during this government's tenure.

The top brass of BSNL reckon that the IPO has been 'indefinitely delayed' rather than 'shelved'. Highly placed management sources, however, rule out the possibility of an IPO during the UPA regime.

"Yes, the market conditions are not conducive for a listing. I do not agree that the IPO has been shelved; it has been delayed. The political establishment can push it through, but that is not happening either. It (the IPO) therefore cannot happen during the current government's tenure. We will wait and see what happens after March next year. I must add that the management continues to favour the IPO," explained a top BSNL board member.

The telecom giant had revived its IPO plans in July; days after the Left parties withdrew support to the UPA regime. In August, the board cleared the proposal to offload a 10 per cent stake.

The company and communications minister A Raja offered 500 shares to the three lakh employees at Rs 10 a share in a move that would grant Rs 1.5-2 lakh to each employee at the time of listing. The unions, in return, were expected to give up their opposition to the IPO.

The employee unions, however, rejected the offer. Several rounds of discussions have subsequently taken place between the BSNL management and the employees, but these have not yielded any results.

The BSNL sources contend that the communication minister Raja was reluctant to facilitate a deal between the unions and the management as he is a DMK man. In June 2006, the party had threatened to quit the UPA if it went ahead with the disinvestment of Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), thereby forcing the government to put all disinvestment plans on hold.

Source : IndiaTimes

[sajiv]

BSNL commissions new cell sites

Coimbatore: The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has commissioned seven more cellular towers in September 2008.Better coverage this is to ensure better cellular network coverage.A release from the BSNL said that new cellular sites have been commissioned at Vellamadai, Irumborai, Pasur, Suzlong, Marudhur, Central Reserve Police Force campus at Kurudampalayam and Vellakinar.

[sajiv]

Chennai, NE states to get BSNL 3G services

New Delhi: State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will roll out its 3G services in the north-eastern states and Chennai by Jan 2009, Communications and IT Minister A Raja said here on Monday, Oct 13. ''BSNL will roll out the services by January 2009 in the North-Eastern states and Chennai,'' Mr Raja said.

However, MTNL will also roll out 3G services in Delhi and Mumbai by December, he added.The government had alloted one block of spectrum each to state-run BSNL and MTNL paving the way for the PSUs to roll out their 3G services.

[sajiv]

BSNL pension adalat soon

GUNTUR: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Guntur Telecom District General Manager V. Ramesh has invited petitions from departmental pensioners for redress on any aspect at a pension adalat to be organised soon. They could enclose their petition to a covering letter and send it to the Divisional Engineer (Staff), Office of GM Telecom District, Chandramoulinagar, Guntur-522007, on or before October 31.

EPF appeal: The Guntur Regional Provident Fund Commissioner T.V. Subba Reddy has appealed to the employers in this region to avail themselves of the Employer's Share refund provision if they employed disabled persons.According to a gazette notification GSR 252 (E) of March 31, 2008, money paid as employer's share would be refunded for three years from the date of employment of the disabled person.

More details can be had from the provident fund Office situated at Krishna Nagar here either in person or over phone No. 2213813, 0863-2232921.

[sajiv]

BSNL adalat

PALAKKAD: BSNL telephone adalat of the Palakkad SSA will be held on November 27 at 3 p.m. here in the Chamber of the General Manager, Telecom. A press release by BSNL here on Friday said pending grievances received up to October 31, 2008 would be considered at the adalat.

[sajiv]

BSNL's Centrex service for police

TIRUCHI: The Tiruchi Rural Police have opted for the cost-effective 'Centrex', a value added service offered by the BSNL, which enables them to make calls free of cost among their landline telephone numbers covered under this facility.The law enforcers aim to make considerable savings in future by going in for the 'Centrex', a central office based communication system which integrates all multi-located landlines into a single highly communication group.

But for the monthly rental charges and a nominal amount levied for each connection for utilising the Centrex, telephone calls made between select police stations; those made within various units and those made from the District Police Office to the stations and units covered under this facility will not be charged. Each station, police unit and office in Tiruchi Rural jurisdiction covered under the Centrex has been given a separate four-digit code and landline calls made within the Centrex group are free. Those made outside the group will however be charged as per the respective plan. A few months ago, the Tiruchi City Police had opted for the Centrex facility.

Police sources told The Hindu that over 50 BSNL landline numbers of the Tiruchi Rural Police have been covered under the facility. This includes the office and residence of the SSP, Additional Superintendents of Police - Crime, Prohibition and Enforcement Wing and Armed Reserve - District Crime Records Bureau, District Crime Branch, District Special Branch, Armed Reserve, Technical Cell, Juvenile Aid Squad, District Social Justice and Human Rights Wing and the DSP (Prohibition and Enforcement Wing). The office and residence of the IG, Central Zone as well as the office and the residence of the DIG, Tiruchi Range have also been brought under the Centrex

[dwarakesh]

BSNL opens additional counter

MADURAI: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has opened an additional cash collection counter in the K. Pudur telephone exchange on Monday for the convenience of its customers to remit their telephone bills, it was stated in a press release.

[dwarakesh]

BSNL India's most preferred broadband service provider

Public sector telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam BSNL) remains the leader in the broadband services space with a market share of more than 54 percent, the government said here Monday.

"Efficient customer satisfaction strategy is being followed due to which BSNL is presently the leading service provider with a market share of about 54 percent in broadband connections and 35 percent in Internet connections," Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said in parliament today.

He said the 'Quarterly Performance Indicator Report' of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), the industry watchdog, dated Oct 7 showed BSNL's Internet and broadband services met the prescribed quality service parameters.

Scindia said BSNL had sufficient capacity for expansion of its Internet and broadband services for 2008-09, and has plans to provide affordable Internet services, with competitive tariff plans.

[dwarakesh]

BSNL extends UTStarcom contract

CHENNAI: Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) has extended the contract of UTStarcom of the U.S. for building the second phase of multiplay network launched in December last year. According to a release, UTStarcom deployed 1.3 million broadband subscriber lines during the first phase of BSNL's multiplay network deployment. In the second phase, UTStarcom will deploy multiservice access node solution in 962 cities.

Source: The Hindu

[dwarakesh]

3G spectrum auction postponed to next year

The Union Communications Minister, A Raja officially confirmed that the 3G auctions which were originally scheduled to be held in December this year have now been postponed to be conducted on January 2009.

TelecomTiger had reported government's proposed move to delay the spectrum auctioning. In an affirmation the Minister said yesterday, "The 3G auction would be completed by January 15 and the operators would have to pay up by January 31."

The country's wait for 3G services has been prolonged for a long time. Earlier this year it seemed that the services might finally enter India as the government announced a comprehensive policy pertaining to 3G services. But the policies always remained under the dust of controversy over some issue or other.

The DoT had to announce a series of amendments to the originally announced norms to maintain a balance between the various lobbies including the GSM and CDMA trade associations.

The Finance Ministry too had recently desired the auctions to be completed as soon as possible. Even the Minister had announced last week that the auctions will take place as announced earlier.

But yesterday's development regarding delaying the 3G spectrum auctioning by about a month has made the wait for the services that much longer.

BSNL and MTNL however stand a chance to gain much required competitive head start over private operators for the launch of 3G services. The two PSUs have been guaranteed 3G spectrum.

[sajiv]

BSNL facilities for pilgrims

PATHANAMTHITTA: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has made elaborate arrangements to improve the telecommunication network at Sabarimala and surrounding areas in view of the forthcoming Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival that begins in mid-November.

In a statement here on Monday, C. Sasidharan, BSNL General Manager, said the Telecom Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Chengara Surendran, MP, in Thiruvalla on Monday assessed the progress of work.

Mr. Sasidharan said the BSNL had planned carpet cellular phone coverage on various major roads leading to Sabarimala.A temporary base transmission station (BTS) would be installed at Plappally on the Manarakulanji-Pampa main trunk road, besides the existing BTS at Sannidhanam, Saramkuthi, Pampa and Nilackal, he said.

The committee members called for continuing efforts to establish permanent telecommunication facility at Nilackal.Mr. Sasidharan said the meeting had decided to sanction public call office at Sabarimala to all applicants.

[dwarakesh]

BSNL offer

CHENNAI: BSNL Chennai Telephones will offer landline caller tunes free of charge for its customers for a 15-day period from Tuesday. Customers served by EWSD/5ESS exchanges will be informed through outbound dialler mode and will have a pre-set song as playback ring tone, a release said.

Subscribers could change the song by dialling 56700 to download the song on prevailing tariffs. The monthly rent for the service is Rs.30 for two songs which would play in shuffle mode. Download charges for songs are Rs.12 for premium and Rs.9 for other songs.

[dwarakesh]

BSNL Mobile Thiruvizha

Coimbatore: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Coimbatore is conducting a 'BSNL Mobile Thiruvizha' for booking of mobile connections with special offers and discounts on October 23 and 24.

The 'Thiruvizha' would be held at Peelamedu, Ganapathy, Periyanaickenpalayam, Tirupur, Avanashi, Palladam and Pollachi telephone exchanges besides at BSNL show rooms such as Karuppa Gowder Street, near Ther Mutti Bus Stop, Coimbatore and Palani Road, near Udumalpet Bus Stand, Udumalpet, Thulasi Ammal Kalyanamandapam, Valparai.

[dwarakesh]

BSNL service interruption

Coimbatore: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Coimbatore has announced that 500 telephone numbers in Central E10B Telephone Exchange will be transferred to Race Course EWSD RSU exchange on October 23 at 14.30 hours.

The areas to be subjected to transfer of telephone lines south of Avanashi Road would include part of Huzur Road, Huzur Road junction to Palanisamy Naidu Street junction, Circuit House Road junction to Puliakulam Road junction, North Race Course Road, Thirugnasambandam Road, DFO Compound, CSI Compound, part of Scheme Road, part of Judges quarters and part of housing unit on Scheme Road.

In view of the area transfer, subscribers having STD/ISD with "dynamic locking facility" are requested to re-register their password on October 23 after 14.30 hours.

Services are likely to be interrupted for a short duration during the transfer.

For assistance, customers could contact BSNL Divisional Engineer over phone 2220222, 2302526 or 94861-05022.