BSNL puts cell users on hold

Once again, the launch of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) mobile service has been delayed. Union Communication Minister Pramod Mahajan on Monday announced that the service, which was to be launched this month, is expected to be operational only by October 2.

On Monday, Mahajan announced the brand-name under which BSNL will launch its countrywide cellular mobile services. The pre-paid service will be called ‘Ex-cel’ while the post-paid service will be called ‘Cellone’. Both the services are expected to be operational by October 2.

Gujarat BSNL’s Chief General Manager Pradeep Kumar informs that the official announcement made on Monday was basically about the brand name. “However, if it has been announced that the service will be operational by October 2 then it means that the launch will take place some time then.” He, however, refused to comment on when the service will be officially launched.

However, the delay once again in launching the service has not gone too well with Ahmedabadis. Says Mayank Desai, a government official: “The launch date of the BSNL mobile service has already been postponed six times now. It was in June 2001 that the service was announced for the first time and ever since, the launch date has been postponed. I have been waiting for it for over an year now, but now I will subscribe to some private service.”

Vijay Thakkar, a businessman states, “The last I heard of the mobile service, it was to be launched by the end of last month - at least in the city. However, once again it has been postponed. And another postponement is obviously bad news.”

Republished from The Indian Express