BSNL to add 20,000 new users in Nashik by March 2007

Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL), Nashik, has set a target of 85,000 new mobile connections by March 2006. In addition, BSNL has also launched general packet radio service (GPRS), multimedia messages (MMS) for mobile users and global system for mobile (GSM) mobile for PCOs.

Currently, BSNL has 65,000 mobile connections in Nashik district including remote areas like Peth and Surgana. "For achieving the target 115 towers, including 44 in the city, will be put up. 65 new villages in the district will be connected through mobile service," said Anand Kulkarni, general manager, BSNL, Nashik.

"Along with users in Kalyan, Pune, Aurangabad and Kolhapur, BSNL has commenced its GPRS and MMS services for users in Nashik district too. Internet connectivity will also be made possible with the GPRS enabled mobile handset through a data cable or infrared connections," Kulkarni said.

"As per our plan, GPRS facility will be available for Rs 199 per month with free downloads upto 5 mb. The second plan is available at Rs 349 per month with unlimited GPRS. In tariff Plans of Rs 525 and Rs 325, 150 MMS and 100 MMS are free respectively. Thereafter, Rs 3 per MMS will be charged. This facility is also available for pre-paid subscribers," he added.

Kulkarni said GSM mobiles for PCO had been introduced in Nashik district only, for which there would be no security deposit. Registration and deposit charges have been waived for STD-ISD holders taking GSM Mobile PCO.

For ISDN subscribers, BSNL has revised its rates and launched new plans from Rs 5,000 to Rs 60,000 per month. As per plans, subscribers will be given free calls from 100 to 70,000.

"Broadband service has been made operational in the city over the last three months with 450 subscribers so far and about 1500 on waiting list. With the aim to make the service available to maximum people, BSNL has introduced two new plans. Home plan-Rs.250 and Business Plan-Rs. 700. As per Home Plan, downloading will be up to 0.4 GB with the speed upto 256 kbps. Besides, free unlimited downloading facility will be given from 2.00 a.m to 8.00 a.m.

For Business Plan, downloading will be up to 2 GB with the speed of 256 kbps and modem price has been brought down from Rs 2,000 to Rs. 1200. There will be no security deposits for Home-250 and Home-500 Plans," Kulkarni added.

BSNL has also introduced a festive offer for rakshabandhan and janmashtami, which will be valid upto 26th Aug. 05 in Nashik city.

As per this scheme, BSNL landline-holder can book landline in the name of his sister with no registration and installation charges. Besides, he may pay deposit amount in 10 equal monthly installments, Kulkarni added.