Reliance to operate in both GSM, CDMA

New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) Putting to rest all speculations about its plans to move out of the CDMA technology, Reliance Communications today said it would continue to operate its services in both the platforms, including GSM.

''Our objectve is to give the customer the best services at cheaper prices. We are looking at a portfolio of technologies in the future, including the expansion of both the GSM and CDMA services. This will enable the customer to chose from,'' Reliance Communications President (Wireless business) S P Shukla told reporters here at the launch of the new 'Hello Capital Plan'.

There has been a lot of speculation about Reliance's decision to move to the GSM space, since it has been a leading CDMA player.

The company offers both GSM and CDMA services across the country, with the former present in 8 circles including the North East and Bihar.

On expansion plans on the GSM front, Mr Shukla said, ''Setting up a network takes time. By this July-end, we will have 600 cities with GSM services only.'' The new 'Hello Capital Plan' unveiled today, allows its fixed wireless subscribers to make local calls at 40 paise per minute, between any of the 19 state capitals in which the plan is valid, including New Delhi.

Applicable on all the tariff plans in both postpaid and prepaid Reliance Hello fixed wireless phones, the plan entails a Reliance Hello customer with the 32 series numbering plan (fixed wireless), to enjoy a special tariff of Rs 1.20 per 3 minutes for a call between state capitals.

''For Reliance customers, the plan will be automatically activated free of cost on their phones from midnight,'' Mr Shukla said.

Reliance has 2.9 million fixed line subscribers at present.

Individuals can make local calls between Mumbai, Chennai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Patna, Ranchi and Raipur, among others at Rs 1.20 per 3 minutes UNI RA ARB GC1836