Most of the MoUs signed by Chennai Telephones are with leading builders for largescale housing projects averaging between 300 and 600 dwelling units. While some projects are due to be completed this fiscal, the rest are scheduled for occupation over 2010 and 2011.
Though laying out dedicated infrastructure for these sites involves huge investment, BSNL is looking at long-term rewards in terms of ensuring robust network within a large site and extended customer loyalty. With a set of four or five technologies wired up around the standard fixed phone on a premises, BSNL is even prepared to set up dedicated mini exchanges at a cost upward of Rs.1 crore at these sites.
Since new technologies such as IPTV and 3G are currently available only with Chennai Telephones, the technical team is also geared to oversee similar projects in other parts of the State, the official said.
“Ideally, the partnership with a realtor should start at the commencement of the project so that the landline connection is provided as standard and other technologies built around it,” an official involved in enterprise solutions planning said.
Though by no means its first venture, providing end-to-end telecom solutions at the integrated township at Estancia near Guduvanchery has assumed flagship status for Chennai Telephones.
At Estancia’s Rs.2,500-crore integrated township, Chennai Telephones is setting up a 1,000-line telephone exchange that would offer residents and IT offices 3G, broadband, IPTV, Wi-Fi and WIMAX services.
It is also offering Centrex, which will allow residents to contact in-house security or other utilities free of cost. Centrex, which functions on an Intelligent Network allows users to make outcalls to any destination in India.
Recently, BSNL launched a similar scheme at VGN Minerva project site in Mogappair. Under the MoU, between real estate developer VGN and Chennai Telephones, BSNL would provide optic fibre connectivity and free intercom facility by Centrex to all flat occupants.
Besides, units would also be provided CLIP instrument for basic telephone, broadband and Wi-Fi. Security deposit and installation charges have been waived for all connections and a telephone exchange will also be installed for the exclusive benefit of the VGN Minerva residents.
The Rs. 250 crore residential project is spread across a sprawling 12 acres and 572 housing units on a total built up area of 7.32 lakh sq.ft. is being developed at Mogappair.
It is envisaged that on Day One of occupation, a telephone line with broadband would be ready and the customer can opt for add-ons such as IPTV, FTTH (Fibre to the home where optic cables replace copper wires) or other cutting edge services.
