Few Takers for MTNL, BSNL 3G Service

Techtree News Staff, Apr 03, 2009 1649 hrs IST

MTNL has managed to get only about 300 subscriptions

Amid the ongoing fuss about the 3G spectrum auction, state-owned telecom service providers MTNL and BSNL got the privilege of rolling out 3G services in the country.

The third generation telephony services have been available for subscription since February. But how many Dilli-wallas, or folks from Durgapur, Ranchi, and other places have actually opted for high speed internet access on their mobile phone?

Reality check: Reportedly, MTNL, which currently offers 3G services in Delhi has attracted a mere 200-300 subscribers. MTNL currently offers its Jadoo 3G services in limited parts of Delhi and plans to extend this service to the whole city in a few months time.

As for BSNL, it has managed to gather as many as 3,000 customers in over 24 cities since a month of its commercial launch. Is there a lesson here to be learnt here? Well, most definitely yes. As first aid, MTNL announced a waiver in its 3G service tariff last month.

Along with reduced tariff, perhaps educating the masses about 3G capabilities will do the trick for the two telecom operators. Improving the MTNL and BSNL websites, along with a 'friendly' and 'responsive' customer care service would also help.

Unless the two companies aggressively market their 3G services, entry of the private players in the 3G scene will spell doom for them.

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USER COMMENTS

Its not an issue of educating customers, customers are way too smart than these Companies think. The only factor that has lead to the failure of 3G, specially in case of MTNL Delhi, is the cost factor. MTNL Delhi is charging Rs.599/month with no data usage, no nothing. They don't have unlimited data plans either. If only they reduce the charges n introduce some cheap unlimited data plans, it would be a great hit, atleast in Delhi, I can bet on this..

by Raj, New Delhi, on Apr 11, 2009 05:31 PM, Report abuse Reply

So here is the problem - all these folk seem to think that the 3G service is an end in itself. The way I see it, other than watching live Cricket matches, there is little use of the 3G service (except if you have just fallen in love and would like to see your squeeze!). The mail reason for buying such a connection would be to replace broadband and use the card/modem as a regular internet connection. At Rs.5 per MB - that is an absurd cost to even attempt it. You could simply go in for an Airtel / MTNL landline based connection, while giving up some mobility....

by Zulon, Mumbai, on Apr 07, 2009 11:53 AM, Report abuse Reply