Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 23
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) NE-II telecom circle on Monday announced the soft launch of ‘Wings’, the company’s first internet telephony service, in NE-II telecom circle covering Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
The service using a mobile numbering scheme is being provided using IP based access network of IMS NGN core switches, to allow subscribers to make and receive calls all over the internet via their landline or mobile phone.
In the new telephony service, BSNL will link a mobile numbering scheme with the mobile app in order for calls to get through and the state-owned telco is offering free audio and video calling for one year after a subscriber pays Rs. 1,099 as one-time activation fee.
‘Wings’ is targeted at subscribers in areas with poor mobile coverage as users can make and receive calls using broadband, Wi-Fi, 4G or 3G internet with the new telephony service. However, video call is only supported for Wings-to-Wings calls only.
Announcing the launching of Wings in a press conference, chief general manager, BSNL NE-II circle, George T Mathai, said registration for the new service has commenced in all telecom circles and new connections would be activated with effect from August 1 next.
BSNL officials said with the new service, a person would also be able to place international calls that would be charged in line with the existing landline tariff with an additional ISD deposit of Rs. 2,000. Using the VoIP based service, one would be able to place calls to any other network in the country.
“BSNL is ready with its internet telephony (VoIP) service with brand name ‘Wings’ to the customers…To use the service, a customer needs to install a SIP client (soft app) on any of its smart devices (laptop/smart mobile handset/tablet etc.) having internet which will act as SIP phone to make and receive calls from anywhere in India and abroad with any party (landline/mobile),” the officials said.
Customers can use their existing address book while making calls through the app and the soft app or SIP client is configurable on laptops and mobile phones.
The CGM also announced new marketing initiatives of BSNL in broadband combo plans, including Rs. 99, Rs. 199, Rs. 299, and Rs. 491 plans offering 45 GB, 150 GB, 300 GB and 600 GB respectively per month, along with 24 hours free unlimited calling (local plus STD) on any network within India.
Mathai also informed that a new service fiber to the home (FTTH) would be introduced soon in Dimapur and the three capitals Kohima, Imphal and Itanagar.
BSNL officials further reminded on its satellite phone service (GSPS), which can now be availed by government agencies, general public, private enterprises and existing users of satellite phone services including Mini-M users.
