BSNL launches push mail service in Karnataka

BSNL has launched a push mail service, dubbed BlacMail, in the Karnataka circle. For the service, BSNL is using technology provided by a VAS company called Fifth C, which is a technology startup based in Bangalore.
A BSNL spokesperson said, “BlacMail push mail platform is unique in spanning the requirements of the broad customer segments that comprise the BSNL base – from owners of inexpensive phones such as students in metros and small businesses in tier 2 and 3 cities, to consumers on our 3G network. Our customers can enjoy the benefits of this service that thus far was only affordable for a niche high-end segment like the BlackBerry.”
The service doesn’t require GPRS connectivity, which makes it affordable as well as ensures that the quality of service doesn’t suffer due to erratic GPRS connectivity. The user also does not have to incur unnecessary GPRS charges because the external server (Blacmail server in this case) communicates with the mail server over the web and does not use the GPRS connection of the phone.
This new service works on almost all Java and Symbian based phone models and does not need a GPRS connection to function. The technology is agnostic of all service providers and incorporates domains like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail and corporate accounts, along with updates from Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, and job sites such as Monster, Naukri and TimesJobs.
The service will be provided using Messaging server based technology. The unique feature of this service is the ability to provide it on almost all handsets including the low cost models.
K Krishnamohan, founder and chief executive officer, Fifth C, said, “We developed BlacMail with the objective of crashing the cost and performance barriers to enable true push mail experience for all mobile users in India from its current standing as an elitist service reserved only for a privileged few. Fifth C is happy to partner with BSNL in enabling this key capability for its customer base, thus leveraging the breadth of its Network coverage in 2G and 3G and geographic reach across India.”
However, the service will be available only in Karnataka for now, and subsequently will be launched nationwide.