BSNL-Tamil Nadu to increase mobile subscribers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd "" Tamil Nadu telecom circle expects to add 8.65 lakh mobile subscribers in 2005-06 and increase the landline subscriber base by one lakh to 30 lakh.

Addressing mediapersons, K Sridhara, chief general manager, BSNL-Tamil Nadu telecom circle, said, "We will be investing about Rs 500 crore in increasing the mobile subscribers base by 8.65 lakh and add 1,150 towers across the state."

At present, of the 9.12 lakh mobile subscribers, a significant percentage of 6.59 lakh is contributed by pre-paid customer and the remaining comes from postpaid customers.

The telecom circle has introduced a students plan called Students Power 99 where students, studying in Std VIII and above can avail of the postpaid cell phone connection for Rs 99 rental per month.

BSNL has also introduced Plan 140 for which the monthly rent is Rs 140 and is available up to November 14. Those who opt for this scheme before October 15 will get a waiver of activation charges amounting to Rs 200.