Home > Business > PTI > Report

VSNL seeks cut in bandwidth prices

December 23, 2003 21:54 IST

Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd has launched Tata Indicom Total Internet, an integrated solution, even as it has sought regulatory approvals for bandwidth price reduction on three of its connectivity modes.

The solution comprises multiple services, like Internet access, net telephony and mailing services, VSNL head (retail business) Prateek Pashine told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Describing this as a "virtual credit card", he said the new product would enable Tata Indicom dial-up customers use a range of features without purchasing different coupons or products.

VSNL has also launched its Internet telephony services in the country, along with Total Internet, which can be used for making "calls across the globe from a PC," he said.

The packs, which are available in different denominations starting from Rs 100 to Rs 3,000, would be available across 5,500 retail outlets in 22 cities in India. These will also be available in ICICI Bank's 1,675 ATMs in the country.

Meanwhile, VSNL director (operations) N Srinath said that the company has sought Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's approval for reduction in bandwidth prices on three of its connectivity modes.

VSNL had sought a 10-20 per cent reduction, and the regulator is likely give its verdict in 10 days, industry sources had told PTI earlier.

Srinath also said that VSNL was looking at buying bandwidth in bulk, enabling the company to get a discount from carriers, which would, in turn, be offered to customers in the country.

This would help in reduction of bandwidth prices in the country, he said, adding the company's own cable system -- Tata Indicom Singapore-Chennai link, when lighted up, would help in providing bandwidth at "more competitive" prices.

The submarine cable is slated to be lighted up by the fourth quarter of next year, he added.

On the VSNL customer base, he said it was expected to rise to 750,000 by March 2004, compared to the present 650,000.

Article Tools
Email this article
Print this article
Write us a letter



Related Stories


VSNL project to miss deadline

US telecom cos move against VSNL

Reliance, Data Access slam VSNL








© Copyright 2003 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.











Copyright © 2003 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.