The state-run telecom company, BSNL, is all set to cut tariffs from the New Year. As per the top official, BSNL is setting the stage for a price war by offering lifetime free voice calling and cheaper plans than the new entrant Reliance Jio.
Free Voice Calling for 2G and 3G Users Only:
If the reports are to be believed, BSNL would launch zero-voice tariff plans cheaper than Reliance Jio’s 149 entry plan. However, the BSNL would be able to offer free voice calling for 2G and 3G users only. This move will definitely trigger the price war in Indian telecom market. Eventually, it will benefit the customers as the other telecom operators will be under pressure to slash the tariffs.
BSNL has a strong market penetration and widest coverage in areas such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Odisha, Punjab, and UP. However, the state-run telecom company is absent in key market zones such as Mumbai and Delhi. If it could provide good operations in crowded market areas, then BSNL can easily shed its losses.
How BSNL can Provide Free Voice Calling Facility?
According to BSNL CMD Mr. Anupam Shrivastava, the strategy is to combine the broadband and the mobile and offer free voice call. In simple words, the free voice calling feature would be offered to BSNL’s mobile customers who also have a Broadband connection at home. By using the untapped technology, outgoing mobile calls would be routed through the BSNL landline that is offered as a combo with the home broadband connection.
With its magnificent wire-line operations, BSNL can easily route the outgoing calls through its landline network. However, if you are outside the residence, BSNL App will connect the calls to landline and gets routed through it. It is to be noted that BSNL had earlier launched app-based calling service that allows customers to make landline calls from their mobile phones. The state-run telecom operator would be soon coming out with a subdued version of that App.
Better Days Ahead?
Though some Industry stalwarts object it terming the service would violate license norms, but surely this innovative move will put further pressure on private operators including Airtel, Vodafone, and Idea to cut down their tariffs.
The New Year 2017 looks promising and Indian consumers see better days ahead!!
