BSNL web video-conferencing from Feb

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will launch a low cost, web-based video-conferencing system from the first week of February in the Kolkata circle.

BSNL sources told PTI that a customer would require a webcam and a PC with broadband internet connection for the facility to be launched by Calcutta Telephones, the Kolkata telecom circle of BSNL.

The cost of web based video-conferencing was a fraction compared to traditional video-conferencing where capital expenditure and maintenance cost was considerably higher.

BSNL has not developed the service in house, but tied up with the largest telecom operator, Delhi-based Communication Experts Private Limited (CEPL), to offer and manage it. The tie up with CEPL is revenue-based and the capital cost and the entire service management, including hardware and software was its responsibility, sources said.

Calcutta Telephones would offer four tariff plans from zero to Rs 1,999 rental to suit every pocket. The usage charge would vary from Rs 12 to 5 per minute depending on the plan tariff.

It offered innovative features such as persistent meeting rooms, which simulates a physical room environment where authorized users could enter.

Users can access rich features, apart from multi-point, multi-media (audio, video and data) conferencing service. BSNL web conferencing service is also equipped with data conferencing tools to enhance collaboration among users such as sharing of powerpoint presentation, whiteboard, documents, and chatting which would significantly aid in increasing the effectiveness of business meetings.