(a) whether the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) propose to introduce cash card in Delhi;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be introduced;
(c) whether the said facility is being extended in other parts of the country also; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS [SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR]
(a) & (b): MTNL is already providing cash card service by the name of MTNL VCC Cards.
Virtual Calling Cards (VCC) are available in the denomination of Rs. 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 respectively. This allows a user to make a call from any telephone to any destination (Local, National or International depending on the type of the Card) through Intelligent Network using a Virtual Credit Card Number. The calls are charged and debited to user account and no charges are levied to the calling telephone number. In this facility, subscriber need not be a telephone subscriber and need not carry cash for making calls.
(c) & (d): BSNL has also introduced these cash cards by the name of India Telecom Card (ITC).
As on 30.6.2001, the facility is available in 145 cities.