State-run BSNL Monday launched video telephony service in south and east
zones of the country in partnership with public sector company ITI and
technology firm Click Telecom.
"Broadband business through this (video
telephony) service will get them (BSNL) a lot of money. Its a good
business model to improve health of the organisation. From business
point of view, it is very significant step. From consumers point, it is
an important step and from the government it will bring lot of
efficiency," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said while inaugurating the
service.
Users of the service will have to pay Rs. 2.5 for a 60
second call. BSNL is also offering unlimited calling facility for this
service under 30-day plan costing Rs. 2,200.
There are other two
plans costing Rs. 750 and Rs. 350 for 30 days each. These plans will allow
subscribers to make 900 and 150 minutes calls free respectively and
thereafter they will be charged Rs. 2.5 for each 60 second call.
BSNL
CMD RK Upadhyay said that these are initial plans and rates in future
will depend on the response that company gets from the market.
"With
the launch of Video Telephony, organisations can have instant
face-to-face meetings, sales reviews, training sessions at 25 percent
of the current cost," Upadhyay said.
BSNL has already launched the
service in north and west zones. Sibal said that at present the service
will be used by "state governments, public sector organisations but in
times to come they will be used by ordinary consumers."