BSNL to offer 4.5 lakh new mobiles

Bharat Sanchar Nigam will be able to provide mobile connections to wait-listed subscribers within two months as major expansion programme is likely to be over by January 2005, according to K G Sharma, chief general manager of BSNL, Maharashtra circle.

"There is heavy demand for mobile phone connectivity and BSNL would be able to provide 4.5 lakh connections in the state and this will certainly ease the burden on the existing network", Sharma said on Thursday.

There has been a definite decline in demand for landline phones (Bfone), due to heavy demand for mobile phones, Sharma said adding that over one lakh basic phones were surrendered during last one year.

On the revenue front, BSNL was doing well as it recorded an earning of Rs 1267.70 crore (Rs 12.67 billion) up to August 4 as compared to Rs 1172.50 crore (Rs 11.72 billion) during the corresponding period last year, thereby showing a growth of 8.9 per cent, he claimed.

The teledensity in Maharashtra was 46.93 per 1000 population and 12.63 per square km, which was a good one in the country, he said. BSNL has a network of 45.56 lakh connections including 38.82 lakh landline connection, he said.

BSNL also keeps a track of the unusual jump in the number of mobile calls of any customer. He said a system has been developed which alerts the company to realise the bills and avoid mounting of arrears.