BSNL slashes local call charges by 75%

Pulse rate for calls to other fixed-line networks raised to 180 seconds.

MUMBAI: State-run BSNL on Wednesday reduced charges for local calls to other fixed-line networks by 75%. This has been through an increase in the pulse rate from 45 seconds to 180 seconds.  The move corrects one of the major discrepancies in call tariffs.

Earlier a subscriber was paying Rs 4.80 for a three minute local and intra-circle call from a BSNL fixed line phone to a Reliance or Bharti fixed phone. Now this has been reduced to Rs 1.20 for a three-minute call. The PSU also reduced intra-circle (within a circle) call charges to other networks by 25% — from Rs 1.60 a minute to Rs 1.20 a minute.

Talking to DNA Money, Kuldeep Goyal, chief general manager, BSNL said, “This reduction in tariff will help our subscribers to talk more by paying less. The decision will boost our surging subscriber base, especially in rural areas where BSNL is the only operator.”

“The tariffs have been simplified making the tariff uniform for both on-net and off-net call. In an attempt to make tariffs simpler and to encourage greater traffic in the fixed line business, we have rationalised the pulse rate for fixed line customers,” A K Sinha, CMD, BSNL said.

The disparity was earlier there due to per minute access deficit levy where a BSNL-to-BSNL local call was charged at Rs 1.20 for three minute while for other networks, it was Rs 4.80 a minute.

“Difference of tariff on the basis of technology has been done away with due to change in ADC regime from per minute basis to Adjusted Gross Revenue basis for domestic calls,” Sinha said.

Meanwhile, sources said BSNL will not participate in the tender floated by MTNL to carry its STD traffic in Delhi and Mumbai as bidding below 65 paise is not a good deal. (With Agencies)