If you are a Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) customer in Kolkata and use low cost SMS packs, its a bad news. Calcutta Telephones, i.e. Kolkata circle of BSNL had withdrawn the SMS packs. Earlier two SMS packs were available – Rs 21 for 200 local sms valid for 30days and Rs 46 for 150 local sms and 50 national sms valid for 120days.
BSNL extended these packs from 13.05.2009 to 30.06.2009. From 1st July e-recharging with such cost will be converted into general top ups. Those with early recharged with such packs, could be charged for SMSs though their SMS packs are valid.
According to BSNL Customer care, it is just a system upgradation work, customer will get his balance back. Customers still have problems in sending SMS to mobile no.s of Bengal circle and MTS mobiles; they are charged as national SMS.
This incident shows being a Govt backed PSU, BSNL is slower in taking a decision and providing offers to attract customers, SMS packs are now a good attraction to young customers. At the same time the merger of Bengal and Kolkata circles are also expected for better management and to provide same offers through out the state as other private operators do.
Last week, around 70,000 landline phones and 10,000 broadband connections in central and south Kolkata went on the blink tonight after a fire forced BSNL to shut down its mother exchange on Hungerford Street. Apart from the broadband and the landline connections, 3,000 leased lines and 55 RSUS (Remote Satellite Exchange) connected by DLC (Digital Loop Carrier) have also tripped on the accident of 8th July. Restoration is working on.
Debopratim Roy July 14, 2009 at 8:58 pm
@ Duane…
Merging above referes to recharge cupons will available for both Calcutta and Bengal circle customers..Uniform recharge cupons for both circle customers and also deposit bills in all bengal and calcutta customers care center in viceversa
Duane July 14, 2009 at 12:29 am
@Debopratim Roy
DEBOPRATIM when you say “merged” what is it that you are referring to:
(a) Technbical Merger of two networks (KOLKATA & REST OF BENGAL) OR
(b) Introduction of same products, recharge vouchers etc
If its is (b) then AIRTEL has done this in WEST BENGAL where both REST OF BENGAL (ROB) and KOLKATA (KOL) have been “merged” since NOV 2006 !
E m a d July 14, 2009 at 12:09 am
your Quote is not digestive
Debopratim Roy July 13, 2009 at 9:26 pm
3G services would also be availed in Jadavpur and Ranikuthi exchanges area,Kasba Exchange has already installed 3G BTS on the telephone tower itself..Huge upgradation is going on in Calcutta Telephones network under BSNL for better mobile experinces.It has also come into observation that both Calcutta and Bengal circle would be merged in order to provide better pre-paid customer satisfaction before September 2009 durga pujas!!
adi July 13, 2009 at 6:52 pm
I’m eagerly waiting for MNP[Mobile No Portability]………Surely I’m gonna skip from BSNL………
altaf July 13, 2009 at 6:51 pm
state run operators r dabba in short they r waste i agree with yogesh
Duane July 13, 2009 at 6:14 pm
@yogesh goel
YOGESH its quite clear & simple: BSNL dont want to provide any competition … LENA HAI TO LE LO attitude will always be a part of the State Run Operators way of life!
Duane July 13, 2009 at 6:14 pm
@kaushik
DEBOPRATIM any suggestions / feedback … on BSNL ????
yogesh goel July 13, 2009 at 2:54 pm
they r mean
they r the worst..
they r being fed with tons of money by the private operators…
they r making way for all the private operators…
they r useless…
they r pathetic….
whole of bsnl system is corrupt from top to bottom….
kaushik July 13, 2009 at 2:17 am
DEBOPRATIM ROY
any comments ?