Meeting with CMD BSNL on 27-05-2008 on future of BSNL

Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri Convener, JF along with representatives of 13 unions/associations in BSNL met CMD BSNL Kuldeep Goyal on 27-05-2008.
At the outset, the Convener expressed the JF’s grave concern over the undue delay in the supply of GSM equipment, due to which BSNL is unable to provide new connections and also the quality of services of BSNL is sharply coming down. Market share of BSNL has sharply declined from 47.69% to 24.74% from 31-03-2005 to 31-03-2008. Immediate purchase of GSM equipment is required.

CMD BSNL stated as follows: Total connections in the country are 310 million, out of which BSNL share is 76 million. BSNL share comes to 24%. 2.2 million landlines of BSNL were surrendered in the last financial year, which is 7.5% of its total landlines. BSNL has given 7.8 million mobile connections, 1 million WLL connections and more than 1 million Broadband connections in the last financial year. Out of the 3.8 million Broadband connections in the country 2 million are BSNL connections. Last year, BSNL has increased its market share In BB from 42% to more than 50%. As regards this year’s expansion of GSM lines, supply of equipment for 35 million lines has already started. Out of this North, West and East zones will get 10 million lines each and South zone will get 5 million. A new global tender is already floated to procure 93 million GSM lines. The tender bids will be opened on 15th July 2008. Out of this, North, West and South zones will get 25 million lines each and East zone will get 18 million. These 93 million lines will cater the requirement of BSNL for the next three years.

Surrender of Landlines

CMD BSNL also informed the JF leaders that 2.2 million landlines were surrendered in the last financial year, which comes to 7.5% of BSNL’s total landlines. He also pointed out that no landline is being surrendered in China which is having 10 times of connections that India has. Even in our country, in places like Kerala and Bangalore, no landline reduction is taking place. He further pointed out that in 45 SSAs, we have 1+ lakh capacity which should be utilized for our landline growth.

In response to the remarks of the CMD, the JF leaders made the following suggestions: 1. The tariff for our landline service should be revised. The present tariff of 3 minute per call can be revised to one minute per call. This will help to arrest the surrender to a great extent. For instance, the surrender of BSNL’s PCOs has been stopped with the change in tariffs, at par with the private companies. 2. The quality of our landline instruments is not good compared to the instruments of private operators. Hence, the present instruments should be replaced with good quality instruments. 3. The quality of our landline service is badly affected due to the damaging of our cables by the private operators. To tide over the problem, the CEO of the company which damages the cable should be sued against. 4. To boost up BSNL’s marketing, door to door canvassing should be done by BSNL employees. Such an aggressive marketing should be organized in every SSA by the local administration.
CMD BSNL appreciated the above proposals and assured that needful will be done. (To be continued).

Protest against abolition of ADC

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been continuously and arbitrarily reducing the Access Deficit Charge (ADC) which is the collection from the private telecom operators and to be given to BSNL for loss making connections in the villages as per the assurances of the government at the time of corporatization. Year after year the ADC was being reduced and the same was completely stopped from 01-04-2008 on the pressure from the private operators. This reduction was certain to seriously and adversely affect the financial viability of BSNL. Hence the Joint Forum strongly protested the TRAI decision and organized demonstration on 3rd April 2008 all over India, demanding restoration of ADC.

Merger of 50% IDA with pay – Lunch hour demonstrations

Even after the IDA crossed 50%, it was not merged with pay as required. As per the call of the Joint Forum, Lunch Hour demonstrations were held on 13-05-2008 at Circle, SSA levels and corporate office demanding immediate merger of IDA.

Meeting with Secretary DOT on 22-05-2008

The Joint Forum leaders met Secretary DOT Sidharth Behura on 22-05-2008 and discussed the following issues:
ITS Absorption: The delay in the absorption of ITS officers was pointed out by the JF leaders. Secretary DOT replied that the Cabinet Note on this issue has been returned with some queries. The matter will be seriously perused.
BSNL’s Pension Contribution (60% – 40% issue): DOT Secretary agreed with the Forum that such conditions are not necessary. He stated that a Cabinet Note on the same is approved by the minister and will be submitted to the cabinet.
Restoration of ADC: Secretary DOT stated that DOT is taking action for changing the guide lines of the USO Fund to give financial assistance to BSNL to the tune of Rs. 2,000 crore per annum, as has been recommended by the TRAI, in lieu of ADC.
Navaratna Status to BSNL: The JF leaders expressed their concerns on the extreme delay in awarding Navaratna status to BSNL. Secretary DOT stated that DPE has already recommended and the issue is waiting for the final decision of the apex body.
Allotment of 3G Spectrum to BSNL: Joint Forum demanded that BSNL should be allotted 3G Spectrum on priority basis as has already been stated by the Communications Minister. Secretary DOT stated that as per the assurance of the Minister, BSNL will be allotted with one slot in the 3G Spectrum.
Delay in 50% IDA Merger: The JF leaders drew the attention of the Secretary to the undue delay in issuing the orders on the IDA merger with pay by the BSNL even after the approval by DOT. Secretary DOT assured that he will speak to CMD BSNL. (To be continued)