VIJAYAWADA : Officials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have sent a proposal to the AP Telecom Circle seeking the reduction of broadband plus tariff from Rs.900 to Rs.500 per month in view of the growing competition from private players.

The officials have sought permission to introduce a low-price package in Krishna district on an experimental basis.

In a letter addressed to the AP Telecom Circle CGM, R.K. Arnold recently, the BSNL Vijayawada officials stressed the need for reducing tariff for broadband 900-plus plan on the plea that Tata Indicom and Reliance were providing unlimited usage for a monthly rental of Rs.500 only.

The officials also suggested monthly rental charges be reduced from Rs.160 to Rs.99 for `Sulabh' phone in urban areas and Rs.99 to Rs.59 in rural areas.

Customers migrating

These suggestions were aimed at bringing down the number of customers preferring other operators and giving up BSNL connections. Migration of customers grew more with the new packages these players came up with frequently.

Sources said BSNL Vijayawada General Manager Balagangadhara Rao stressed on the need for reducing tariff at a presentation made to Mr. Arnold during the latter's recent visit to the city.

The CGM had asked for a report on the local competition.

One suggestions was the Rs. 900-plus plan be extended to existing customers of other plans.

Also among the suggestions was offer of free Centrex facility to CICs (carrier identification codes) within the circle, as others were already providing this.

The BSNL officials also wanted incentives for loyal customers.

The download limit of 1 GB for Rs.500 plan should be increased to 5 GB and the limit of 400 MB for the Rs.250 plan increased to 1 GB. Reduction of rental charges was proposed for those paying annual rental.

The customers should need to pay 10 months rent for 12 months (as in broadband rental). Waiver of installation charges and instrument cost was recommended for customers, who would make more than 500 units per month for a period of six months continuously.

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