Airtel launches 'PCO on wheels'

Kozhikode, Jun 9 (UNI) Perhaps first of its kind in the country, telecom major Bharti Airtel has launched coin-operated public telephones on three-wheelers in the city.

Inaugurating 'Airtel on Wheels' last evening City Police Commissioner Balram Kumar Upadhaya said the facility would be in great help to commuters, who could contact police, hospitals or their relatives in case of emergency.

Installed in ten autorickshaws on experimental basis initially in association with Autorickshaws Drivers Union (ADU) the facility would be made available in more vehicles in the city, said ADU leader Mohammed Koya.

In order to help the commuters, a display board showing the name of the driver, PCO number, a map of the city, names of police stations, banks and hospitals were fitted behind the drivers seat.

For installation of the facility, operated by using recharge coupon, the drivers would have to pay a sum of Rs 2,555. They in turn would get a 30 per cent commission out of the total collection.

Besides, a Rs 50,000 insurance cover would also be provided to the drivers by Airtel in association with Bajaj Alliance.

Stating that the scheme would give additional source of income to auto drivers, Airtel Chief Operating Officer (Kerala Region) Vikas Singh said the project would be expanded to other areas if found successful.

UNI