The high-rise apartment builders and real estate developers in the city need not worry any more about investing resources on building high cost telecom infrastructure and the mandatory security systems at their projects as the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has come up with revenue-sharing models to provide these facilities.
The BSNL has decided to provide digital EPABX at residential complexes to provide landline telephone and broadband connectivity through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC). Under the conventional system, intercom and analogue Electronic Private Automatic Branch Exchange (EPABX) are being provided at apartment complexes.
MoU signed
“The IP-based digital EPABX, being provided exclusively under FTTH (Fibre To The Home) service, can also be used to ensure security surveillance at apartment complexes. In future, it would be extended to provide ‘video on demand’ and cable TV facilities. We have already signed an MoU with Lansum Properties for their 32-floor, 680 flats in Oxygen Towers at Seethammadhara to provide the services under the revenue sharing model,” BSNL Principal General Manager (Visakhapatnam Telecom District) Nalini Verma told The Hindu .
Negotiations are on with India Bulls, Harita and Shriram Properties for their 880, 780 and 480 unit apartment projects near Madhurawada, with Happy Home for their 334 unit apartment project near Old ITI junction at Kancharapalem, with Vizag Profiles Group and Sardar Nest for their projects near Duvvada and Gajuwaka, and for two other projects at Pendurthy and Anakapalle, she explained.
New models
The BSNL has worked out revenue sharing models to ensure a win-win situation to builders, resident welfare associations and BSNL. Four different models have been worked out based on which either of the two parties, provide basic infrastructure like OFC network up to the flat or commercial complex, Optical Line Terminal (OLT) from the common point to the flat, digital EPABX.
The BSNL can provide ‘Centrex’ facility at the telephone exchange itself, eliminating the need for provision of EPABX at apartment complexes. The revenue sharing between the two parties would depend on the amount of money invested on infrastructure and on which of the party would maintain it.
“Security screens will be provided in individual flats and in the cellar. The flat owners can see the face of visitors on the screen and decide whether to allow them inside the premises,” said BSNL Assistant General Manager (Marketing) Satya Prasad.
