Date:17/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/05/17/stories/2005051701050500.htm

Back BSNL ties up with Oxigen to offer e-recharge facility

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , May 16

BHARAT Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has joined hands with Oxigen, a private pre-paid services company, to offer e-pin, an electronically deliverable recharge facility.

The facility, launched here on Monday, would let CellOne prepaid customers get their accounts recharged using Andhra Bank ATMs, AP Online and thousands of retail outlets hooked onto the Oxigen server.

"This facility helps the customers to have round-the-clock availability through Andhra Bank ATMs," Mr Sunil Kulkarni, Chief Executive Officer of Oxigen, said.

There was no scope for scarcity of any pre-paid denominator as happened generally. Besides, roaming subscribers could get their cards recharged while they stay away from the State.

At present, the facility is being offered in seven other circles such as Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka and Chennai.

Oxigen had a footprint of 7,000 retail points, including point of sale terminals, cyber cafes and ATMs. The company expected that the coverage would expand to 16 circles and 25,000 points of sales by the year-end.

Mr Sunil said the company tied up with IndusInd Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce and Karur Vysya Bank. "We also have agreements with UTI Bank and HDFC Bank," he added.

Addressing a gathering, Mr Sanjaya Kumar, Chief General Manager (AP Telecom), said the telecom company aimed at increasing the teledensity in the State.