Date:25/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/25/stories/2004082501171900.htm

Back 2 new schemes from Chennai Telephones

Our Bureau

Chennai , Aug. 24

CHENNAI Telephones will launch two more billing schemes and SMS facilities for its landline customers from September 1, according to its Chief General Manager, Mr K.B. Brahmadathan.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, he said the installation charge of Rs 800 for the two plans _People's Plan - 290 and Classic Plan - 2250 _ will be waived for one month.

Under the People's Plan, the monthly rent is fixed at Rs 290 with a free talk value of Rs 191, which brings down the rent to Rs 99. The charge per unit beyond the free call limit is Rs 1.20. Subscribers under the existing Sulabh plan can migrate to this plan. Under the Classic Plan, subscribers pay Rs 2,250 a month as rent and are permitted 2,800 free calls. Beyond the free call limit, they pay 90 paise a unit. Subscribers under any other plan can migrate to this plan, he said.

Chennai Telephones has withdrawn the Easy Plan. But it will continue with the Surprise Plan in which, the value of free calls match the monthly rent of Rs 495. Beyond the free limit, calls are charged at the rate of Rs 1.10.

To woo back subscribers who have surrendered their connections, Chennai Telephones will waive the rent for the intervening period up to the reconnection date. This offer is valid for one month from September 1.

Over 60,000 subscribers have surrendered their connections since April 1, 2004, while 45,000 new connections have been taken. Chennai Telephones's capacity is about 13 lakh connections, of which 10 lakh are in service, he said.

SMS facility will be available on the landline, b-Fone, free of charge, as an introductory offer. Customers can send and receive messages from b-Fone to b-Fone or to cell phones.