(a) whether the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) is getting good response from the people for its Dolphin Mobile/Cellular services in Delhi and Mumbai;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the MTNL is not able to compete with the private cellular operators;
(d) if so, the extent of losses suffered by MTNL as on date; and
(e) the remedial steps taken by the MTNL to improve the Dolphin Mobile/Cellular services in both the cities?
THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF THE LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 115 FOR 30th JULY, 2001 REGARDING DOLPHIN MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICE.
(a) & (b): Dolphin Mobile Service of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has started getting encouraging response.
(c) & (d): MTNL is progressively gaining market share inspite of being the third operator. The project has been conceived with a break even in the second year of operation and a pay back period of 6 years of operation. These are expected to be achieved.
(e) Improvement in Cellular services is a continuous process through Network optimisation. Following steps are being taken in this regard:-
I. Adjoining towns viz. Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad (in Delhi) and Kalyan, Navi Mumbai (in Mumbai) are also being covered.
II. Adequate number of franchisees are being engaged to market the service.
III. Roaming facilities are being extended to all the places within the country as well as abroad.
IV. Prepaid service is proposed to be started soon.