Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has planned to open three new exchanges and install 84 numbers of additional 2G cellular sites i.e., Base Transmission Stations (BTS) and 16 additional 3G cell sites.

Talking to reporters, the Principal General Manager of BSNL N. Hari Babu along with C. Sunitha – General Manager said that BSNL has the strongest cellular coverage.

To strengthen the coverage, 84 new 2G cell sites and 16 additional 3G sites are under installation. In addition, the BSNL is working on opening three new exchanges one at Tidal Park in Peelamedu and in Kalapatti besides one in Tirupur.

There was no need for new exchanges as the exchanges have an utilisation of only 70 per cent of the equipped capacity. New exchanges are required, only if the customer premises was more than five to six km away from the exchange area. In cases where cable pair availability was a problem, BSNL was providing Fibre to Home connectivity and Wireless in Local Loop phones.

In addition, the BSNL has also planned to install 12 numbers of Wi-Max BTS for wireless broadband connectivity in places such as Kurichi, Saravanampatti, Sulur, Thudialur, Santhaipettai, Vedapatti, Valparai, Avanashi, Mettupalayam, Palladam, Pollachi, Tirupur and Udumalpet - microwave station. Strengthening of cellular coverage is being planned in Karamalai Estate, Rottikadai, Pachamalai, Monica Estates, Sirukunda, Valparai Town, Murugali Bazaar, Minparai, Pannimedu, Valparai, Mudis and Chincona.

Mr. Hari Babu also announced the introduction of new unlimited broadband plans – Rs. 499, Rs. 625 (without phone rent). BSNL has so far trained 882 students in six batches on fundamentals of telecommunication in summer camps. Owing to overwhelming response fresh batches will start from May 30, June 6, June 13, June 20 and June 27. For booking a seat in advance for the training Junior Telecom Officer should be contacted at 94861-05161.

Fibre to Home launched by BSNL for the first time in Tamil Nadu has received good response. Under this, Optical Fibre is laid up to the customers premises and high speed internet speed up to 100 Mbps bandwidth is provided. In addition to voice, data and IPTV is also possible in the same fibre. The tariff is Rs 550 per month onwards and initial installation charges of Rs 3,500 are being waived as a promotional offer.