Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is likely to be fully operational in a week’s time. The telecom major suffered extensive damage both to its cellular and landline operating network due to cyclone Hudhud.
Of the 325 (2G) cell towers, 275 have been rectified and out of 175 (3G) towers, 125 have become operational. “The major setback has been in the urban areas and we will come close to full operational level in about a week’s time,” says BSNL General Manager R.M.M. Krishna.
As far as landline exchanges are concerned, 105 of the 110 have been rectified, but still two major exchanges at Malkapuram and Bheemunipatnam are to be set right.
The major problem faced by BSNL is power, as all the cell towers and exchanges run on power. “Though in the urban areas some amount of power has been restored, it is still dark on the rural side. And we are running on DG sets,” says Mr. Krishna.
A special team has been formed to refill and restart the DG sets.
Special offerFor the benefit of its customers, BSNL has given a talk time worth Rs. 50 and 50 sms free of cost and have reduced the call rate between BSNL network from .25 paisa to .05 paisa.
“The offers have been given to facilitate people to communicate at the time of distress and will be open till November 20,” said Mr. Krishna.
