Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state owned telecommunication firm, has introduced free unlimited calling from BSNL landline to any landline and mobile network of any service provider on Sundays on pan India basis starting August 15. The company claims that this is yet another step to promote landline business in India.
Lately, landline business have been declining due to change in preference of customers towards mobile phones. People have been opting more for mobile phones even for Household purposes due to the feature they offer and the amount of mobility you get. Mobile Phones can easily store hundreds of contacts which most landline phones struggle at.
Earlier in May 2015, BSNL introduced free night calling (9 pm to 7 am) from its landline (local and STD) to any other landline and mobile network of any service provider.
“The competent authority on recommendation of tariff committee – CFA (Consumer Fixed Access) has approved unlimited free calling from BSNL landline to any network’s mobile and landline on all Sundays on pan India basis with effect from August 15, 2016,” BSNL Delhi reportedly said in a press release.
BSNL also reportedly launched a promotional offer for new landline customers for a period of 90 days with effect from August 15. The customers who get a new landline in the 90 day period starting from August 15 will only have to pay a fixed monthly charge of Rs 49 and the installation charges will be free. The additional facility of free night calling (local and STD) will also be available for them.
Well, this is an extremely intelligent move by BSNL and if implemented properly can result in increased landline sales and household usage apart from corporate offices. Today, landlines are merely used to install a Broadband connection at home. If such promotional offers won’t succeed, then it won’t be long till we see telecom operators such as BSNL completely scrapping of landlines for household uses.