BSNL introduces international roaming, to go strong in WLL

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, BSNL has added more features into its cellular
service. With effect from next month, BSNL will introduce international roaming
in its cellular network. All international roamers coming to India and using
BSNL network will be charged Rs 75 per minute on a 60-second pulse. For this,
BSNL has tied up with 128 international operators, which will cover 160
countries. All calls made by in-roamers will be charged at Rs 75 per minute on a
60-second pulse. For postpaid outbound roamers, a fixed monthly rental of Rs 99
will be charged to avail this service. International call charges will be as per
the network selected by the BSNL postpaid subscribers, with a surcharge at the
rate of 15 percent on such amount. In addition, security deposit will be
enhanced to Rs 7,500. Very soon, out-bound roaming service will be shortly
introduced in Tamil Nadu circle.

The Tamil Nadu circle of BSNL is going aggressive in WLL. According to K
Mahadevan, Chief GM, Tamil Nadu Circle, "We are planning to lay 15,000 WLL
lines in the rural areas, moreover since we can’t lay cables, WLL is the only
option to penetrate into rural villages." Currently, Tamil Nadu has 62,000
applicants in the waiting list for landline connection. "They will be
provided with WLL connection," remarked Mahadevan.

Meanwhile, BSNL has also introduced international SMS, which till now was
restricted within the country. Here, the in-roamers will be charged Rs 20 per
outgoing message. The CellOne customers will have to pay Rs 3 per message and
the prepaid customers will be charged Rs 5. These charges are for a maximum of
160 characters. Besides they have reduced the charges of the national SMS to 40
paise from 60 paise.

CyberMedia News Service

Chennai