BSNL is set to introduce a convergence platform which will link a consumer’s mobile and landline account, letting them take advantage of free calling benefits through both mediums. The company is currently in the process of setting up the system and will have it up and running by Diwali.
With the new synchronized platform, people can make free night calls from their handsets if they’ve subscribed to the scheme through their landline phone, along with a number of other value added services. Anupam Shrivastava, BSNL Chairman and MD, told PTI that the system will additionally allow subscribers to receive fixed-line calls on their mobile device.
He hopes the integration of the two mediums will turn things around for BSNL, which is currently trying to stop the decline rate in landline connections. Shrivastava claims the provider’s outlook has already started improving with a gain in consumers through its mobile number portability and roaming scheme. The latter allows individuals to take incoming calls for free while traveling in India.
BSNL has reportedly spent Rs 400 crores to bring its landline infrastructure up-to-date. The government-run brand fell to 6th place based on total subscribers back in April. As of August 2015, its user base stood at 78 million. On the other hand, the network provider was in the top 5 among mobile operators in terms of monthly user additions.
Also Read: BSNL ups minimum broadband speed to 2Mbps
BSNL has also partnered with Hitachi to install ATMs at their properties. Shrivastava says this has been implemented since a large number of its landline consumers still pay their bills offline. The machines will accept cash and lets people settle their accounts at any time of the day, freeing them from the restriction of only being able to pay at the counter.
The Hitachi ATMs are to be rolled out in small cities by March 2016. BSNL will get a revenue share from each transaction made on these machines.