BSNL launches low-cost cell phones for rurals

Lucknow, Dec 30: A new year bonanza for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) rural subscribers. State-run telecom giant along with Ajanta India Ltd (AIL) on Monday, Dec 29 launched low cost mobiles with pre paid connections for rural subscribers.

Mobile phones manufactured by Gujarat-based AIL is priced at Rs 1290 with a talk value of Rs 1500.

"According to industry statistics, nearly 700,000 new subscribers get added to the mobile market every month in the state and over 90 percent are rural subscribers. With the urban market reaching near saturation, we decided to launch this scheme," BSNL Chief General Manager Om Vir Singh told.

"Besides AIL, the other companies that have entered into similar agreements with BSNL include Beetel, LG and Nokia," he added.

"We have also developed a strong network of distributors and service centres across Uttar Pradesh and this is our first initiative as far as the mobile market is concerned. We are also searching for similar possibilities in other states," AIL director Vikram Iyer said.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)