(a) the details of the fixed line subscribers of the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) at the time of its inception;
(b) the details of the growth of its subscribers during the last 3 years;
(c) whether a large number of subscribers are using wireless fixed line phones due to additional benefits and other quality services offered by them; and
(d) if so, the steps being taken to instal Fixed Wireless Phones (FWP) instead of wireline network in future?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) Sir, at the time of its inception on 01.10.2000, BSNL`s, subscriber base was 2,80,37,056.
(b) During the last three years, additions in BSNL subscriber base are as follows:
Year Landline Wireless in Local Cellular Total Loop (WLL) Mobile 2002-03 2212469 319220 2238611 4770300 2003-04 18679 442873 2997829 3459381 2004-05 423845 669319 4193240 5286404(c) & (d) As on 30.09.2005, a total of 14,45,475 Fixed Wireless Phone (FWP) subscribers were being served by BSNL. The fixed wireless phone service was introduced basically as a substitute to wireline services in areas where it was not feasible techno-commercially to provide connection on wireline due to long loop length or difficult terrain conditions. The elimination of line faults and lead time in laying cable for wired connections besides inherent flexibility of wireless services is a big advantage. Wireless services offer improved quality, faster & economic rollout of telecom services and increased customer satisfaction. BSNL has planned extensive use of Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) Technology in urban and rural areas. However, problems are encountered in proper working of WLL system due to poor availability of A/C mains power supply in rural areas.