(a) whether the Government proposes to slash Local, STD, ISD call rates including calls made to mobile phones in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any assessment has been made regarding decline in subscribers base of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) during the current financial year in comparison to pervious year;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the remedial steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI
GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) Sir, the rates offered by BSNL are either cheaper or competitive to the tariff
offered by private operators. In addition to above, field units are also authorized to offer
different promotional tariffs taking into account the local market conditions. Moreover,
the inter circle pulse rate under basic phones for all calls terminating on fixed line has
been increased from 90/60 sec to 120 sec resulting in a reduction of charges up to 50% with
effect from March 2009.
MTNL revises its tariff plans as per market trends/conditions from time to time.
(c) The total subscriber base (Landline + WLL + GSM) in BSNL and MTNL during the last two
years is given below:
As on 31.3.2008 As on 31.3.2009
BSNL 3.62 Crore 4.67 Crore MTNL 72.09 lakhs 80.54 lakhs