MTNL launches new scheme to attract 3G customers

Desperate to attract customers for its 3G or third generation services, which have seen miserably poor uptake, state-run telecom operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd has announced a new and apparently cheaper 3G scheme in its Mumbai circle.

The new prepaid plan is priced at Rs109, and promises to offer 3G services at tariffs lower than 2G for voice as well as video calls. Local voice and video charges will be 20 paise per minute for calls made to MTNL numbers and 50 paise per minute for calls made to other networks in the Mumbai circle.

With lifetime validity, the voucher offers 25 minutes of free video call and 25 MB of free data usage as well as free talk time worth Rs25. Named 'prepaid 3G Jadoo', it is a promotional offer that will only be available for 30 days.

Third generation or 3G technology offers high speed internet access and download of contents like songs, movie clips and data. MTNL, which operates in Delhi and Mumbai, offers 3G services under its 'Jadoo' brand.

State-run telecom companies MTNL and Bharatiya Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) have been allotted 3G spectrum on a preferential basis, even as private players wait for the long-delayed spectrum auction to take off. However, the two operators are finding it tough to attract subscribers to the 3G fold despite previous promotional offers.

In August this year, minister of state for telecommunications Sachin Pilot told the Rajya Sabha that MTNL had only 902 subscribers across the two cities for its 3G services.