Airtel launches Re 1 PCO in MSRTC buses

Pune, Apr 20 (UNI) Mobile service provider Bharti Airtel Ltd today launched the first Re 1 per minute call PCO in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses here, that allows calls anywhere in India.

Jointly addressing a press conference at the inauguration, MSRTC Chairman Sudhakar Paricharak and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mandeep Bhatia informed local calls from the Airtel PCO's will cost Re 1 for 60 seconds and Re 1 per 20 seconds for STD.

The private-public tie-up would benefit commuters spanning 218 towns and 30 cities in Maharashtra.

''We have been working on installing towers on highways for the past three years. We will now cover 7,000 destinations including tourist spots and 12 highways in the State. Around 4,500 buses will have the PCO's, of which 1,900 buses will be activated presently and the remaining by May 25,'' he said.

MSRTC Chairman said the Corporation would get 25 per cent of the revenue for the next two years and after that it will be reviewed for an extension.

MSRTC will be responsible for the cash management while Airtel will look after the maintenance of the coin boxes and other technical aspects.

UNI