Unused mobile data for BSNL prepaid users on next recharge

Subscribers of BSNL’s pre-paid 2G and 3G services will get unused mobile Internet data added to their plans when they go for next recharge. This facility has been available on BSNL network for both 2G and 3G mobile Internet <g data-gr-id="42">plans</g> but the same was stopped in February, the company said in a statement.

“This new facility will be applicable for all the GSM 2G and 3G pre-paid mobile customers of all BSNL circles across India,” the statement said. To cash in on high demand for 3G services, BSNL is gradually introducing new 3G mobile Internet plans at prices lower than industry. “BSNL recently introduced Rs 68 Data Special Tariff Voucher (STV) which allows 1 GB 3G Mobile Data for 10 days, never given by any other operator at this cheapest rates in the present market,” the statement said.

The mobile data carry forward facility of accumulation of unutilised balance data usage in BSNL pre-paid plans will also be applicable for all the customers of normal data STVs and longer validity BSNL 3G data plan schemes. “Quality of service and customer satisfaction is our top priority and transparency makes us different from other operators,” BSNL Director for Consumer Mobility, N K Gupta said. Meanwhile, telecom major Airtel is all set to buy out Augere Wireless -- 4G spectrum holder company in Madhya Pradesh circle -- for about Rs 150 crore. “Airtel and Augere Wireless are in <g data-gr-id="55"><g data-gr-id="54">advance</g></g> stage for the deal. <g data-gr-id="56">Augere</g> was looking for exit and Airtel wants to expand its holdings,” an industry source privy to the deal said.

Airtel declined to comment on the <g data-gr-id="53">deal,</g> while <g data-gr-id="45">Augere</g> did not respond to the query sent. Airtel is building capacity to be aggressive on 4G services. In March spectrum auction, Airtel <g data-gr-id="52">build</g> pan-India capability for 4G services. This acquisition will give Airtel hold of additional 20 Mhz broadband wireless spectrum which <g data-gr-id="46">Augere</g> acquired for Rs 124.66 crore. “Airtel is aggressively building its 4G capacity and this deal will show it. The company is paying about 20 per cent higher price for BWA spectrum which has lost 5 years of its validity period and can be used for another 15 years,” the source said.

Augere has till date done only testing of 4G service but <g data-gr-id="34">is has</g> not started commercial operations yet. As per the licensing agreement, August 31, 2015 is the <g data-gr-id="36">deadline</g> for all companies which won BWA spectrum in 2010, including <g data-gr-id="33">Augere</g>, to roll out the services in at least 90 per cent of the service areas, failing which the Department of Telecom will have the right to withdraw the <g data-gr-id="37">radiowaves</g>.