CHENNAI: Only a few hundred of the over eight lakh subscribers of BSNL Chennai Telephones have migrated to the one-rupee-a-minute national long distance `OneIndia' plan launched on Wednesday.

The response of its over five lakh mobile subscribers was better, with over 10,000 post-paid customers switching over. Chennai Telephones sources say subscribers seem to be adopting a wait and watch approach. At least a week is needed before a clear picture emerges on the OneIndia plan and the incremental traffic it is expected to generate, a senior official told The Hindu . Subscribers, however, seem to be looking forward to greater clarity on the schemes.

Consumer activist T. Sadagopan says the schemes have confused the subscribers. The flow of information, particularly at the exchange level, about the changes and new schemes is "inadequate".

Many of the subscribers are under the impression that BSNL is continuing with the practice of automatically selecting the most beneficial package, depending on the usage, for landline users. It had given up the practice following a directive from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

Those desirous of availing the benefits of OneIndia tariff should get their connection STD enabled and register themselves for the Rs. 299 (landline) scheme. No free calls are allowed and officials say the billing cycle will be monthly.

Another scheme

They explain that `OneIndia' is another scheme and subscribers should opt for it if they find it attractive. They can switch to another plan, after the billing period, if it does not suit them. Such a facility is not available for the pre-paid mobile subscribers. Once they switch over to the OneIndia pre-paid tariff of Rs.880 (sale value) they cannot migrate back to a lower recharge pack.

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