State run telco and internet provider BSNL is in the process of rolling out a mobile and landline integrated platform by next month, which will let consumers get mobile value added services and make free night calls from mobile phones if they have a landline among other undisclosed services, reports PTI. According to the report, the service will also let users receive landline calls on mobile phones. BSNL has been struggling with the decline in landline usage for a while now. Anupam Shrivastava, BSNL Chairman & MD told PTI that it had been able to “arrest decline rate in landline connections” and the convergence platform should also be able to help in regaining customers. He mentioned that the company’s free roaming scheme has been one of the major reasons for increase in mobile subscribers. PTI adds that BSNL has invested over Rs 400 crore ($61.6 million) in order to modernise its landlines. It is likely that BSNL and its metro-only sister company MTNL will merge in December this year, to function as a single new entity from the next financial year, as indicated by this Pioneer report. Landline revival plans: free unlimited calling In April, BSNL started offering free unlimited calling from landlines to anywhere in India (landlines and mobiles). The unlimited calling scheme would work during 9pm and 7am and be applicable for 6 months to check for response to be reviewed post response. Free roaming for BSNL users In June, BSNL implemented free roaming for all its subscribers on…
