BSNL offers freebies to consumers

AHMEDABAD: In a bid to meet the impending competition following the entry of

other private basic telephone providers in Gujarat, the state-controlled Bharat

Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced to provide a new connection for the

existing customers at a token amount of Re 1.

However, the country’s largest basic telephone service provider left a

major loophole in its scheme. It did not mention whether the existing customers

have to maintain the old connection to avail the benefit of the new one.

The result is that many consumers have now stood in a queue to have the new

telephone connection and reclaiming deposit and the annual rent for previous

connection.

Gujarat Telecom general manager P K Chanda said according to the Independence

Day scheme connections will be provided without annual rent or registration

charge. The scheme will close on October 15.

A single window model for new line registration is being introduced where

applications and payments are accepted at the same place. Advice and demand

notes will be issued at the same place, he added.

There will be no installation fee for freedom fighters, war widows, gallantry

award winners and disable soldiers. For other customers the rebate has been

increased by Rs 250 for both the wiring and providing the instrument.

The Ahmedabad Telecom Circle which did has not been having a printed

telephone directory for the past four years will now come out with a new one

within four months.