Date:02/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/02/stories/2007100259220300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Free SIM, greater validity and more

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Free SIM cards for pre-paid connections with basic recharge coupon for Rs. 300, greater validity periods and introduction of Internet Protocol Television (IPTv) by November are some goodies subscribers can expect from the State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL). At a press conference to mark the seventh BSNL Formation Day on Monday, Chief General Manager (Andhra Pradesh Circle) S. Ramalingam said the organisation was going in for a re-branding to acquire a new image among subscribers. The Circle recently crossed the two-million mark in CellOne connections and now handled 2.7 million landlines, including WLL (Wireless in Local Loop) mobile phones.

The re-branding and the drive for a new image, he said, had already started yielding results with the undertaking holding its own in a highly-competitive environment. It had bagged the rights to be the official telecom partner for the World Military Games being held here next month. It was a surely a ‘shot-in-the-arm’ to race ahead of the competition. The State will have 53 more telephone exchanges added to the current number of 3,735, Mr. Ramalingam said.