Staff Techdrunk 
MTNL has launched its third generation (3G) mobile services, Jadoo, in limited areas of Delhi on an initial investment of about Rs.4 billion (Rs.400 crore).
(The Chairman and Managing Director of MTNL, Mr R.S.P. Sinha, launching the MTNL 3G services ‘Jadoo’ in the Capital on Thursday)
“We have spent Rs.300-400 crore (Rs 3-4 billion) on the 3G services roll-out so far,” MTNL chairman and managing director R.S.P. Sinha told reporters on the sidelines of a conference.
The company can currently support around 150,000 subscribers on its 3G infrastructure, he said.
In order to activate this service, one needs to pay Rs.500 plus taxes as activation charges along with a monthly rental of Rs.599. The calling charges are:
- A voice call on MTNL’s own network will cost 60 paise per minutes.
- Calls to other networks will cost Re.1 per minute.
- The domestic and international long distance (STD and ISD) call tariff will be in accordance with the budget plan.
- An MTNL-to-MTNL video call will cost Rs.1.80 per minute.
- Similar calls to other networks will cost Rs 3.
- The voice STD will cost Rs.3.75, and the voice ISD remains as high as Rs.30.
These charges are just an introductory offer and will be valid for three months only. “We should be charged money when we get spectrum for the entire city.”
“MTNL has been a pioneer in introducing the latest technology services to its customers. We have earlier launched IPTV, VOIP and latest technology broadband services as first telecom operator. Now, MTNL is the first to launch 3G mobile services. We will continue to provide latest technology advancements at most affordable prices.” Sinha said.
He further added that the whole city will be covered in two to three months and then they will roll-out in Mumbai in six months or so!
When Sinha was asked about the complaints that the public sector company is getting undue advantage, he said: “Private operators had got undue advantage in 2G services, so why are they getting restless now. It’s just a matter of a few months where we have received the spectrum before them.”
Good news for the MTNL users!
