BSNL targets 36 lakh conections in MP

Bhopal, May 16 (UNI) BSNL Madhya Pradesh Telecom Circle Chief General Manager R K P Hinduja today said that BSNL had set a target to take the total number of landline, mobile and WLL connections to 36 lakh -- double the present figure -- in this state by next year.

''We share the top spot in this state's cellular operations along with a private player. Making profit is not the BSNL's sole target and thus it is incorrect to compare us with private sector companies,'' he told reporters here.

As 2007 is being celebrated as 'Broadband Year', the target is to provide two lakh such connections by next year. Madhya Pradesh has 33,000 such connections. The company is readying to provide Internet Protocol Television by the beginning of 2008. It would enable customers to actively interact with the service provider.

''The number of towers in this state will be enhanced to 2,300 from 1,100. Under a central scheme, 985 towers will be set up in rural areas. Two private companies will also play a role,'' explained Mr Hinduja.

On the eve of World Telecommunication Day -- May 17 -- BSNL would provide several sops to customers. Under the Ladli Beti Scheme, every female applicant would be gifted a top-up voucher worth Rs 112 with a new prepaid connection.

''Under the Double Dhamaka Scheme, landline and WLL connections will be available for only Rs 100 in urban and rural areas and that amount will be construed as installation charge. Prepaid mobile connections will be gifted on booking landline or WLL connections,'' Mr Hinduja added.

Availing a postpaid connection under the 325, 525 or 725 plan will be accompanied by another connection free of cost.

UNI