Controller of Communication Accounts

M. P. Telecom Circle, Bhopal

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� The agreement between USOF and BSNL came in effect from 20-01-2009.

� Provision of wireline broadband connections to individual and institutional users in rural and remote areas of the country.

� Provision of wireline broadband connections from the existing rural exchanges of BSNL.

� The validity of the agreement is for 8 years i.e. upto 19-01-2017.

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Salient Features of the Scheme� To provide wireline broadband connections in rural areas

with minimum speed of 512 kbps.

� The USOF tariff plans of Rs. 99 and Rs. 150 per month is to be offered to the customer by BSNL.

� BSNL is also permitted to provide other tariff package as well.

� Free CPE by way of ADSL Type-I modem or a rebate of Rs. 850 is to be provided to the customer by BSNL for maximum 63 connections.

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Salient Features of the Scheme� Option for provision of subsidised computers to individual

customer on special tariff plan and to Govt. institutional users on other tariff plan is also available upto 31 connections per exchange.

� One connection per rural exchange is to be given to women self help group.

� One wireline broadband Kiosk has to be provided in each designated rural exchange with fixed charges for browsing and printing etc.

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Subsidy to be Paid by USOF

� Front Loaded Subsidy :

FLS is given in the range of Rs. 4617 to 5065 per connection in M.P. Circle.

� Subsidy for CPE and computers :

1. Rs. 850 for provision of free CPE to customer.

2. Rs. 4500 for computers provided to customers

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Equated Subsidy� EQS is provided for 2 years or upto validity period from the

date installation whichever is earlier in the range of Rs. 168 to Rs. 184 per connection per quater in M.P. Circle.

� EQS is provided for 3 years or upto validity period from the date installation whichever is earlier in the range of Rs. 19851 to Rs. 21780 for one wireline broadband Kiosk per exchange per quater.

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Scenario in M.P.

� Rural exchange is approved by USOF for provision of wireline broadband scheme – 1982.

� DSLAM installed in exchanges upto 31-12-2011 by BSNL –1256.

� Broadband connections installed upto 31-12-2011 by BSNL–9846.

� Kiosk installed upto 31-12-2011 by BSNL - 442.

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1982

442

Kiosk

Kiosk to be installed (1982)

Kiosk Installed (442)

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Kiosk Connections

Broadband Connections

61442

9846

BroadbandBroadband Connections tobe provided (61442)(31 x 1982)

Broadband Connectionsprovided upto 31-12-2011(9846)

In 53 exchanges broadband connections provided are more than 31 and subsidy restricted to 31 connections.

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Growth of Wireline Broadband

Scheme in M.P. Circle

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Jan-09 to Dec-09 Jan-10 to Dec-10 Jan-11 to Dec-11

Broadband

Broadband

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Initiative taken by USOF

and CCA Office Bhopal

� Advertisement in local new paper by USOF to popularize the scheme.

� The matter was taken up with State Govt. authorities by CCA office.

1. to sensitize the panchayats about the scheme.

2. for provision of broad band connection in 3500 Govt. middle and high schools.

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Impact of Broadband� Villagers are selling their crops at higher rates by making

enquiry on internet of different mandis.

� Students are preparing their project reports, filling online application forms, requisitioning study materials with the help of internet connection.

� Villagers are trading in commodity exchange.

� The scheme have immense effect for the State Govt. institutions, Educational Institutions, Women & Child Welfare Scheme, Land Records etc.

� Rural population is booking railway tickets online.

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Impact of Broadband

� In a Novoday School Teacher was teaching the students with the help of internet connection.

� The provision of Kiosk is a boon for those who could not afford regular broadband connection. They can take desired printout from website, surf, e-mail or even chat with the friends and relatives.

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Problem Encountered� BSNL is lacking in effectively publicising the scheme.

� Power cut is the main problem in rural area which results in non working of broadband connections.

� Sign boards were provided at Kiosk but information regarding toll free complaint number, e-mail, url and contact details of person with whom complaints / grievances can be lodged not mentioned.

� Kiosk are installed in small MDF rooms, not accessible to villagers.

� Kiosk in charge are phone mechanic/ lineman or regular mazdoor who does not know computer and internet functioning.

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Problem Encountered� Very poor attendance at Kiosk and revenue generated by

Kiosk with reference to investment appears to be negligible.

� Non receipt/late receipt of broadband connection bills.

� All mandatory Kiosk equipment's are not available like : UPS, Web Camera, Printer , Scanner etc.

� Computer provided at subsidised rate need better hardware.

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Suggestion for Improvement

� Publicity in the form of notice /display board at village panchayats and other visible places in rural area.

� More visibility of Kiosks including proper training to Kiosk operators (phone mechanic etc.)

� Provision of solar panel at susidised rate to customers to overcome power failure in rural areas.

� Involvement of Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sewaks) in popularising the scheme.

� Aggressive marketing strategy should be taken up by BSNL in rural areas by holding of broadband melas.

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Conclusion� The above observation shows that the socio economical

status of the villagers have increased after launching of USOF wire line broadband scheme, and same is the motto of the USOF.

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THANK YOU

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