State run telecom operator BSNL has reduced mobile calling rates by up to 80% for the first two months for new users, reports TOI. The reduced calling rates are effective for both per minute and per second billing plans, for which new users will need to buy vouchers of Rs 37 and Rs 36 respectively. Users who have ported their numbers to other telecom operators can also use these vouchers. Users who buy the Rs 37 voucher will be charged Rs 0.10 per minute for BSNL to BSNL local and national calls, and Rs 0.30 per minute for other networks. For the Rs 36 voucher, users can make calls at 1 paisa for 3 seconds on local and national calls within the BSNL network and 2 paise for 3 seconds on other networks. According to the report, BSNL has started monitoring complaints on social media to provide resolutions to its customers and roped in Aegis BPO for customer service. In September, BSNL had around 80 million mobile connections in India, out of which 70% were active. In the same month, overall total mobile connections in the country stood at over 996 million. BSNL’s past developments: While BSNL readies itself to acquire more subscribers, other competitors have been ramping up their 4G initiatives and coverage (here, here and here). The company has been trying various means and methods to get subscribers: - In October it said it would launch a mobile and landline integrated platform by November, which would let consumers…
