Once operational, customers can use the phone, surf the internet and watch cable TV on the same telephone line with a broadband modem/ set top box.
Scientist Vijay Bhatkar, who has a big role in the project, said, “After Param, this is the biggest development for India.’’ With the launch of the new service, BSNL is hoping to target 1.5 million customers in the next 5 years.
Next week, a team of BSNL technical experts will visit the city to test and check the system. BSNL officials said those with existing broadband connection will be able to get the service by early February.
BSNL director for planning and new services Ram Lakhan Dubey said, “BSNL will lay replace broadband cables with copper cables by March 2007 at the cost of Rs 25 to 30 crore.”
A subscriber will have to pay for a set-top box, installation and usage charges. The cable TV option will offer entertainment channels, interactive e-learning options and eventually e-governance and e-commerce services. SMS, TV to TV communication and close group broadcast, radio or video will also be made available later.
Implementation of the service in Pune has been planned after BSNL, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd (MKCL) and DiviNEt Access Technologies Ltd reached an agreement. MKCL is developing the content for interactive e-learning. “There will be provisions for several other gadgets like webcam, microphone, printer, scanner that can be attached to the TV,’’ P R Eknath, MD and CTO of DiviNet said.
