BSNL to launch WLL services in Pune from May 15'

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is launching its WLL service (Tarang) in Pune from May 15. Tarang would be offered under three special tariff plans to suit the pockets of subscribers. According to the rollout plan, BSNL would give out 20,000 connections in the city and 30,000 in rural areas. Of the 20,000 lines to be distributed in Pune under Tarang, the department has earmarked 15,000 lines for mobile handsets and 5,000 for fixed sets at home.

Those who cannot get a regular landline due to technical problems such as laying cable in certain areas, would be given preference for WLL fixed sets. The department has constructed 21 towers in the city for adequate network coverage. WLL service, which was launched almost two years back on a limited scale, had failed miserably as there were only three towers covering the entire city.

According to BSNL officials, the basic plan would have a rental of Rs 200 per month with no free calls. The second option will have rental of Rs 300 per month and offer 100 free calls while the premium plan would have 500 free calls against a rental of Rs 650 per month. The pulse rate originating from a fixed line to Tarang WLL would be 90 seconds. The call rate beyond those offered free, would be charged at the rate of Rs 1,20, Rs 1.10 and Re one, according to the option chosen, the officials disclosed.

BSNL would charge Rs 5,000 as a security deposit for the WLL handset as compared to Rs 10,000 earlier. Prospective buyers would have the option to buy their handsets directly from the market. Moreover, the department would not levy any installation or activation charges from subscribers. Subscribers with a landline would be waived of the Rs 2,400 advanced rental deposit (ARD). However, the ARD is not payable for subscribers who do not have a BSNL connection. The technical testing of the entire system is currently in progress and is expected to be completed in the first week of May. The service would be available within one Short Distance Charging Area.

Nanda Kasabe


(CNS)