EXCLUSIVE: MTNL to Launch 3G for the Common Man
Pankhuri Bajaj, Aug 19, 2008 1800 hrs IST
"MTNL hopes to bring the best possible 3G services to the common man at affordable rates," says MTNL's Chairman, J. Gopalan.
While BSNL has announced the launch of its 3G services by this December, the state-owned telecom operator's metropolis counterpart, MTNL, too has plans to offer this next generation service to consumers around the same time.
Says J. Gopalan, MTNL's Chairman, "Our basic core network is ready for 3G. We're trying to give 3G as a New Year gift to our customers."
The following are excerpts from an email interview with J. Gopalan.
Techtree: What services can a consumer expect to use after immediate launch of 3G services by MTNL?
J. Gopalan: High speed data download up to 2 mbps, streaming services, Mobile TV etc. will be available immediately; video calling will be introduced subsequently.
Techtree: What steps will MTNL take to capture the interest of consumers, so it retains them and increases subscriber-base even after other operators start rolling out 3G services?
J. Gopalan: We will strive to provide the finest services to our customers like good speed, best content, M-commerce based services; services which develop stickiness to operator.
Techtree: Does MTNL plan to tie-up with mobile phone manufacturers to promote and sell its 3G services?
J. Gopalan: At present we do not have any such plans. We're open for anything which will give better services to our customers. But as of today, I cannot elaborate on this.
Techtree: Will MTNL have binding data plans for its 3G services where a user won't be allowed to shift to another telecom operator for services?
J. Gopalan: This is not permitted as per current regulations. In fact, subscribers will soon have the freedom to shift operators retaining his/her old number.
Techtree: Finally, how much will the 3G services cost a mobile phone user?
J. Gopalan: We're working on end-user pricing. But it's a fact that MTNL will provide 3G services at the most affordable rates as we believe that common person should be able to use all new services.
When asked about how MTNL plans to leverage the first-mover advantage for rolling out 3G services before the private telecom operators, J. Gopalan clarified, over telephone, that the quality of 3G services they will provide will help MTNL garner high revenues.
So, there it is, from the MTNL Chairman himself: MTNL hopes to bring the common man the best possible 3G services at affordable rates. Of course, the common man will have to judge for himself what's best in the market once private players jump in. For now, let the 3G services flow, please.
USER COMMENTS
MTNL GSM Mobile services is very bad. every time call drop, echo, low network, no network coverage and network congestion etc. we complent several time but not response his technical department. we tired for this network. we are user of MTNL GSM Mobile from last 4yrs
by Tanwir Ahmad, New Delhi, on Aug 20, 2008 03:55 PM, Report abuse Reply
I have been an MTNL GSM user for the past 4 years & a GPRS customer for almost 2 years [Rs.399/- pm + taxes]. For the past 45 days I have not been able to use my GPRS ONLY at my residence area -which is Andheri-East, Poonam Nagar. It works fine in all other network areas. I have lodged 6 official complaints - all of them get closed after 3-5 days with the conclusion -temporary network problem. 5 Online complaints - No acknowledgement. MTNL is still billing me for their inefficiency. Customer Service & tracking of a problem is pathetic. IF MTNL CANNOT HANDLE A SIMPLE GPRS -local network server problem. How can they manage 3G. You decide. I am frustrated to the core. they are clueless how to tackle my problem. They kept telling me to approach BKC [whereas the tech dept is at Prabhadevi!].
by Terence G Ferna, Mumbai, on Sep 09, 2008 10:46 AM, Report abuse
Hmm these are all lies .............. BSNL n MTNL are well known for poor services.... They don't even have EDGE (2.7 G) network in many important locations in Bengal and other states. Where as Airtel n Hutch (Voda) offers best coverage n rates also...................
by Suraj, Kolkata, on Aug 20, 2008 02:54 PM, Report abuse Reply
I dont think they will do justify to mumbai users, they cant reduce rates for triband in mumbai, look at delhi rates and then mumbai !!!! InsANE PRicing !!!!! DOnt expect anything good from MTNL , atleast for mumbai people,, : ( ,, MTNL STOP YOUR DAY LIGHT ROBBERY !!!!!!!!!!
by VIkas, Mumbai, on Aug 20, 2008 02:09 PM, Report abuse Reply
by Ranvir, Kanina, on Aug 19, 2008 08:28 PM, Report abuse Reply
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