Refuting allegations of misjudgement over its 3G services foray as well as reports of the operator managing to rope in just 10,733 3G subscribers in 6 months, BSNL came out strongly in support of its 3G services venture.

The company said that since its launch on February 27, 2009 in 12 cities, the services now encompass over 113 cities. The company further said that the figure of 10,733 subscribers was only till end of June 2009 and the latest figures show about 40,000 subscribers for the services.

BSNL said that from the four services available during the initial phase of the launch namely video calling, video conferencing, mobile TV and mobile broadband, the additional services offered now include Video on demand, video screening, full track music download and online multiple player games.

The PSU will also lower its tariffs for the services from August 15, 2009 with 3G SIMs to be made available for as low as Rs 59. Prepaid vouchers for the services will be available for Rs 120 and postpaid for Rs 225 with subscribers offered free migration from 2G to 3G.

As part of Independence Day celebrations, free unlimited calls will be offered to subscribers for one month from the date of activation. The scheme will be available till August 31, 2009.

BSNL also reasoned that 3G services is not merely a service targeted towards the elite class, but for the general public as well as it helps improve the voice quality as well as reducing congestion in existing network.