Decision Soon, Says Verma

The Centre would soon take a decision on the allotment of Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) shares to its employees, according to communication minister Beni Prasad Verma. The government is looking into the issue of allotment of VSNL shares to its employees. We will take a decision on this soon, Verma said at the inauguration of VSNLs second gateway switching network facilities at its new building in Calcutta yesterday. Stating that VSNLs status as a navaratna was due to the hard work of its employees, he said the government will support the companys efforts in developing the communication system in the country.

 

Lauding VSNL authorities for forward planning in the new building, Verma said when completed, the building would serve as a communication gateway to eastern and north-eastern parts of the country.

A second gateway switching facility was necessitated due to lack of space at VSNLs existing facility at salt lake in Calcutta.

VSNL director (development) R K Gupta said the second facility would cater to the growing telecom traffic in the eastern region. It would also provide a diverse range of new telecom services.

The second gateway, consisting of a highly intelligent network, now offers video conferencing, international subscriber dialling and subscribers trunk dialling facilities.

Later, the gateway would include facilities like toll free services, international virtual private circuit network and international roaming facilities.