BSNL launches low-cost mobile phones for rural subscribers

Lucknow, Dec 29 (IANS) State-run telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), in association with Ajanta India Ltd, Monday announced the launch of low-cost mobile phones with free prepaid connections for rural subscribers of Uttar Pradesh.

The mobile phone, manufactured by the Gujarat-based AIL, is priced at Rs.1,290 and offers talk value of Rs.1,500.

'According to industry statistics, nearly 700,000 new subscribers get added to the mobile market every month in the state and over 90 percent are rural subscribers. With the urban market reaching near saturation, we decided to launch this scheme,' BSNL chief general manager Om Vir Singh told reporters here.

Besides AIL, the other companies that have entered into similar agreements with BSNL include Beetle, LG and Nokia, he added.

'We have also developed a strong network of distributors and service centres across Uttar Pradesh and this is our first initiative as far as the mobile market is concerned. We are also searching for similar possibilities in other states,' AIL director Vikram Iyer said.