VSNL to slash Internet access rates by 10-15%

BANGALORE: The Net tarifff war is getting hotter with the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (VSNL) announcing that it would slash access rates by 10-15 per cent within the next fortnight. Last week, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) had made similar cuts in its tarifffs.

''A final decision on the exact rate will be taken within the next 10 days," VSNL director operations Amitabh Kumar said. He also said that as VSNL was a volume player, it could afford this price cut.

Talking about VSNL's future plans Mr Kumar said, VSNL would also introduce a pre-paid card for making net access easier. ''With this facility, the end user will be able to apply on-line, without having to physically approach a VSNL office," he said. This card would have a search number as well as a pin code so that the end user gets instant on-line access, Mr. Kumar added.

With the new pricing in place, VSNL hopes to increase its subscriber base to four lakh from the current three lakh. To stay competitive, VSNL is also planning a host of web-enabled applications including Internet banking and wireless application services, he said. The company also plans to introduce other value-added services like flashing e-mails on pagers, he added.