BSNL cuts down STD calls to Re 1/min from Nov 1

New Delhi, Oct 12: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today announced a sharp cut in its fixed line long distance STD call to Re 1 per minute, besides slashing its monthly rental under the OneIndia plan to Rs 180 per month from the earlier Rs 225 across the country, from November 1.

The company has also extended its local call PCO pulse duration to 60 seconds, from 45 seconds at Re 1 per minute, saving 25 per cent of the user's cost.

The minimum guarantee for setting up a PCO in the urban areas has also been reduced from Rs 500 to Rs 300.

''Committed to provide telecom services at the cheapest rates across the country, the company has launched this plan that would benefit about 116 lakh of our customers,'' BSNL CMD A K Sinha told reporters here.

Mr Sinha said this would give the company an extra burden of Rs 2100 crore. But, with the more call traffic, estimated to grow by 21 per cent, will compensate this extra burden.

Mr Sinha said that the monthly rental has now been reduced to 50 free calls from the earlier 25 free calls.

Under this plan, local calls will be at Re 1 per 3 minutes instead of Rs 1.20 per 3 minute. The intra-circle calls will be at Rs 1 per minute instead of Rs 1.20 per minute, and the inter-circle STD calls will be at Rs 1 per minute instead of Rs 2.40 per minute.

The STD calls will now be around 58 per cent cheaper, where as local and intra-circle STD calls will be 16 per cent cheaper.

The BSNL chief indicated that the company will come out with more attractive packages on its broadband services very soon.

The customers, falling under an exchange with a capacity of 30,000 lines or more, will automatically avail the benefits of OneIndia Landline Plan.

However, the customers in rural areas, who pay monthly rental of Rs 50, Rs 100, and Rs 120, are interested will have to apply for availing the offers.

UNI