New Delhi, Nov 13: International long-distance tariffs will be reduced to the extent of about 25%-30% after BSNL enters the fray in February next year. Speaking to reporters, Prithipal Singh, CMD, BSNL said, “The tariffs will go down 25-30% after we start our operations in February next year.”
Mr Singh pointed out that tariffs have already been brought down from Rs 15 to around Rs 7-9. “There is still a cushion left,” he added. BSNL will be introducing new tariffs for all services, local, national and international long-distance, incorporating the new interconnection usage charges in the next two weeks. Mr Singh expects the grey traffic to be reduced after BSNL starts its ILD operations.
BSNL is yet to finalise its voluntary retirement service (VRS) package. He said about 8,000-10,000 employees are due for retirement.
Responding to other queries, he said the unified licensing would not affect BSNL adversely. “It will offer more options to customers. The growth in telephony will help in the growth of companies.'' BSNL is currently in talks with the Tatas-owned Videsh Sanchar Nigam (VSNL) for using the latter's infrastructure for carrying the ILD calls.
Bureau Report