Unified Messaging Services from BSNL

Cell phone users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) can now avail the facility of Unified Messaging Services (UMS) comprising of voice mail, fax and email operations. Announcing the launch of UMS in Pune, RL Dube, Principal GM, BSNL said that the services would enable BSNL cell phone users to store messages - received through voice mail, email or fax - in a single mail box.

He also announced the launch of Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), enabling the use of Internet from mobile phones.

"However, this will require WAP enabled mobile handsets," he said. BSNL has made available four packages for availing UMS. For voicemail and fax services, the charges would be Rs 50 per month. For voice mail, fax and email, the charges would be Rs 100 per month. Under the classic mailbox for corporate users, the charges would be Rs 500 per month involving voice-mail, fax, e-mail and text conversion facility.

WAP would enable subscribers seek details such as airlines and railway schedules against a monthly rental of Rs 100. The charges would be Rs 2 per minute. BSNL is also working out a triangular arrangement with banks and handset suppliers for making handsets available at affordable rates. "We will pay the supplier for the handsets and recover the money in installments from the consumers. The banks would pitch in with financing schemes," he said. 

In addition, BSNL is also wooing parents and guardians under the Student Power scheme. On offer till September 30, 2003 students can avail of a post-paid scheme against a monthly rental of Rs 99 with no security deposit for BSNL landline owners.

Incoming calls would be free and outgoing calls would be charged at Rs 2.25 per minute with a 15 second pulse and 60 paise would be charged for each for
SMS.

Cyber News Service