Telecom network operator BSNL has invested Rs 400 crore to modernize its landlines enabling mobile users to receive landline calls on their mobile phones.
As per the new initiative to revive the declining landline business, BSNL mobile subscribers will be able to avail free calling benefits offered on their landline phones. BSNL had 60.77 percent market share in the Indian land line phone market in July 2015, according to TRAI. On the other hand, BSNL had 7.92 percent market share in the wireless phone market.
The roll out of the fixed mobile convergence platform expected during Indian festival Diwali will sync BSNL subscribers’ mobile and fixed line connections.
Fixed mobile convergence platform will enable consumers avail value added service in mobile phones, make free night calls from mobile phones if they have subscribed to landline and host of other modern facilities, PTI reports.
The state-run BSNL has total subscriber base of 7.8 crore at the end of August. BSNL has been losing customers in landline phone space despite offering free night calls from landline to any phone in India.
The Delhi headquartered company has launched free roaming scheme which enables its subscribers to attend free incoming calls while travelling anywhere in the country at no extra cost.
“Free roaming scheme has become one of the major growth drivers for uptake in mobile subscriber number,” said BSNL chairman and managing director Shrivastava.
The telecom operator is also in the process of associating with Hitachi’s ATM business unit to allow its landline customers, who pay bill offline, to make payment anytime during the day in BSNL offices. BSNL land phone customers will be able to pay their bills at this ATM as per their convenience. Hitachi ATM machines will be rolled out initially in small cities around March 2016.
