BSNL launches 3G in 11 cities; cuts landline rates to 33 paise a minute

27 February 2009

State-run telecom firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched third-generation (3G) mobile phone services in 11 cities as it expands services to other areas in the country.

BSNL also announced a reduction in local call charges from 1 March to 33 paise a minute and STD rates to 50 paise a minute to all landline/WLL subscribers.
 
BSNL, currently the No 4 mobile operator in the country, said in a statement that it had invested Rs2,700 crore on rolling out 3G infrastructure and would cover all district headquarters and important commercial towns.

Third-generation services give subscribers access to internet, games and a host of multimedia content from maps to music on their cellphones.

BSNL provides telecoms services across the country except in the major cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, which are covered by another state-run firm Mahanagar Telephone Nigam.

"BSNL has revised the landline/WLL tariff under all plans effective from March 1," minister of state for communications and information technology Jyotiraditya Scindia said in the Rajya Sabha yesterday.

BSNL is also launching a pre-paid mobile service called 'India Golden 50' which will bring in STD rates to 50 paise a minute.