<Fun to be an early adopter>
Perhaps more fun here, WiLL is CDMA I think.
MTNL plans to offer new cell tariff packages
PTI
New Delhi, May 20, 15:09
ithin months of launching cellular services at significantly lower rates than private operators, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) is planning to come out with 'introductory' tariff packages to meet individual customer requirements.
"A variety of introductory tariff packages are on the anvil to meet individual customer requirements in the cellular market. We shall approach the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) soon with the proposal," Narinder Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of MTNL said.
Asked about the new packages, Sharma said various combinations of rentals along with incentives were being worked out, but declined to give details saying MTNL would first seek Trai's approval on the matter.
On the quality of network, Sharma said the corporation had fixed June 30 as deadline to complete the optimisation of the cellular network to take the private operators head-on, especially in terms of quality of services.
Stating that MTNL was in the process of finalising the agreements with various cellular players, national and international players, and it would start offering roaming facilities by month end.
MTNL has so far installed 102 base stations in Delhi and 122 in Bombay, Sharma said while pointing out that the first bill to Dolphin subscribers would be issued within a week.
MTNL had started cellular services in February this year at lower rates of Rs 1.50 for an incoming call and Rs 2.70 for an outgoing call with a monthly rental of Rs 400.
Asked about MTNL's plans to launch cash cards for cellular services, Sharma said it would take another three months to make the system compatible and finalise the tariff plan.
Sharma said MTNL was planning to invest Rs 1,600 crore during the current financial year for expanding its operations in the country and abroad and added that it would soon adopt new revenue streams by entering into services like call centre, web farms and video on demand.
The entire investment is likely to be generated through internal accruals, Sharma added.
He said the corporation would add 4.8 lakh new switching lines during 2001-02 as part of expansion plans.
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