MTNL to introduce convergent billing from March 31 '07

New Delhi, Dec 20 (UNI) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) will start providing single billing for landlines, mobile and broadband facilities, to its customers with effect from March 31, 2007.

In addition the existing broadband customers of MTNL will be upgraded to one Mbps speed from the existing 256 Kbps from 1st January, 2007 at the existing rates.

While inaugurating the new office of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Mahanagar Doorsanchar Bhawan here, Communication and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran said, ''Under the convergent billing, even the mobile charges of different members of a family will be included under the same bill.

It will provide upgradation at the same rental.'' Mr Maran added both MTNL and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) are working for promoting broadband facilities in the country. BSNL has already announced that it will provide broadband up to two Mbps from January 1, 2007.

Refusing to comment on mergers and acquisition in the telecom sector, Mr Maran said that the focus is more on roll-out in the rural areas than mergers.

MTNL will focus on widening the cellular and CDMA-based WLL customer base, introducing 3G services, achieving at least 5,00,000 broadband customers and rolling out of services in Mauritius through its subsidiary, he said.

The Mahanagar Doorsanchar building inaugurated today will cater to the Eastern Delhi region. It will have the GM (E) stationed and would consist of the Delhi Gate, Idgah, Tis Hazari, Karol Bagh areas serving more than 2.2 lakh customers.

MTNL Chief Managing Director RSP Sinha said, ''Mahanagar Doorsanchar Bhawan would add a new dimension to MTNL as it will also be the home for convergent billing, NGN and 3G.'' UNI KR CS HS1700