Expansion plans for Ernakulam BSNL

KOCHI: BSNL Ernakulam Secondary Switching Area, the largest unit in the state in terms of customer base, is planning a massive expansion during the current financial year with more customerfriendly initiatives.BSNL principal general manager P T Mathew told Express that all BSNL landline services would be provided for the customers at their doorsteps.To get a broadband connection, customers can sent an SMS BB to 54141 and the BSNL executives will reach wherever the customers want to meet them.He pointed out that around 50 per cent of the broadband complaints are owing to the failure of the computer. In this context the services of computer vendors have been rendered so that complaints could be redressed with the support of both the vendors and the BSNL employees.The complaints of the broadband network owing to virus attack or any other problems could be solved without any charges.The BSNL is providing up to Rs 500 for the computer vendors for rendering the service. As part of expanding the network, 3 lakh mobile connections, 50,000 landlines and 25,000 broadband connections will be given this financial year.To solve the network problems of mobile phones, inbuilding solution (IBS) will be provided at crowded places to ensure that there are no disruptions while using mobile phones.According to Mathew, as part of attracting more landline users, optic fibre cables would be laid to the premises of new customers which will ensure highquality voice, broadband and IPTV.In the initial phase, the service will be provided to highrise buildings where the optical cable service could be available with an additional cost of 10 per cent for broadband than the normal charges.He also pointed out that more customers were attracted to the BSNL when the mobile number portability (MNP) came into force. In the last four months, 16,000 customers changed from private players to the BSNL and around 5,000 left to other mobile services.To attract youngsters, especially students, the BSNL has started campaigns in all major institutions displaying attractive schemes for them. The WiMax technology, which provides wireless broadband connection, is also showing good response from the rural areas, he added.