Thiruvananthapuram :Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd proposes to provide mobile phone connections to 15 lakh subscribers in the first phase all over the country. The second phase target has been set at 25 lakh. Each phase will require a time frame of one year, according to Mr DPS Seth, chairman and managing director of BSNL. On a visit to the State Capital here on Thursday, he said that BSNL will soon take a decision on the tariff to be charged for its proposed GSM mobile phone service and it would be very competitive. He said that worldwide mobile phone service was equalling basic telephone services in many countries.And India would not be an exception. In Kerala, BSNL plans to provide mobile service to 1.25 lakh subscribers in the first phase beginning October. In the second phase another two lakh subscribers will be added. Kerala Circle has been chosen as the lead circle for implementing the cellular project in South India, Mr Seth said. Three other zones and lead circles have also being created for implementing the project at the national level.
Regarding basic services, BSNL would be providing 53 lakh new connections this year as against 27 lakh given till end December 2000. The reduction in tariff up to 200 km for basic services will lead to a loss of Rs 150 crore for BSNL which has to be made up through increased telephone traffic. Internet services of BSNL would also be improved, Mr Seth added.
Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
