BSNL targets 250 million subscribers

Shillong, Oct 9 (UNI) The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has drawn up an ambitious National Plan Target of 250 million subscriber base for the country by December, 2007.

BSNL Chief General Manager (North East 1) A K Gutpa said the company has drawn up a broadband customer base of 20 million in the country by 2010 as per Broadband Policy 2004. The BSNL would provide telephone services in all villages of the country which is the focus of the UPA government.

Talking to reporters at Hotel Pine Wood here today, Mr Gupta said BSNL is seeking to expand its operations in North East, but there were certain constraints such as the hilly terrain which involves a higher capital expenditure, acquisition of sites, the sensitive border areas and shortage of skilled manpower.

The BSNL has drawn up a series of customer services such as Tele- shoppes will be opened in every state headquarters by January 1, next year, more PCO network is targeted, franchisee network is being strengthened.

Further, a call centre for the NE-1 will be commissioned by March 2007, single window concept to be introduced soon with more emphasis in customer relation and more cash counters are being planned, he said.

The NE-1 Telecom Circle of BSNL which covers the North East states of Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura has the highest number of telephone exchanges in Meghalaya followed by Tripura and higher tele density in Mizoram followed by Meghalaya. The BSNL is also expanding its mobile services by covering about 83 cities and towns.

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