Date:12/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/12/stories/2004061201820300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Erode

BSNL to install 32 cell towers in Erode

By Our Staff Reporter

ERODE, JUNE 11. To provide better service to subscribers and also to improve the mobile network, the BSNL will install 32 new cell towers in Erode district, the General Manager, BSNL, A. Balasubramanian, said today.

Talking to presspersons, he said that of the 32 towers, 12 would be commissioned in Erode town and 20 in rural areas. He said that the tower construction works were in progress in places including Thalawady hill areas.

He added that after erecting these towers, more pre-paid cards would be issued. Already about 3,000 pre-paid connections were given. Another 5,000 cards were likely to be given in a couple of months. As many as 1,200 applications were in the waiting list.

The General Manager said that the subscribers of Erode district could dial 1959 to access the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS)-based service to register the subscribers' request for provision of phone plus facilities such as call transfer, call recorder, delayed hotline and call waiting. No extra charges would be collected for this service.

Mr. Balasubramanian said that for the benefit of public, the office of the General Manager, BSNL, would function from Monday to Saturday, except the second Saturday. The working hours have also been changed from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. from June 1.

He said that those in need of pre-paid cell connections could collect applications from BSNL. After filling up these forms, they could register their names at the customer service centres in Erode, Bhavani, Dharapuram, Gobichettipalayam, Kangeyam, Kodumudi, Perundurai and Sathyamangalam and also at the Central Telegraph Office, Erode. If the applicants provide their telephone numbers, they would be informed about the availability of the SIM card. They should collect the card within three days of receiving information from the BSNL, otherwise they would lose their seniority.

He said that surrender of landline phones was decreasing and booking of new connections was on the rise. The General Manager (Development), Deputy General Managers, Accounts Officer and other officials were present.