BSNL loses further ground to private operators in MP

The public sector telecom operator Bharatiya Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has recorded a steep fall in its wireless (mobile) subscriber base in Madhya Pradesh, data from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revealed.

According to TRAI subscriber base data for February 2015, BSNL’s wireless subscriber base in MP circle has come down to 32.21 lakh from 38.07 lakh in January 2015.

While the company officials attribute the sharp fall to inactive connections being excluded from the numbers released by the TRAI, experts say that BSNL is steadily losing ground to private operators.

"The inactive connections and those numbers from which not a single call was made in February have not been included in the subscribers list. Many people have dual SIM cards, but if no call is made in a single month, it does not get reflected in the numbers released by the TRAI," L M Sanwal, general manager for BSNL in MP circle said.

The statistics show that BSNL has been steadily losing ground to private operators since the past two years. In February 2013, BSNL had 51.89 lakh subscribers in MP circle which has come down to 32.21 lakh registering a fall of 38%.

"Firstly the network quality is not up to the mark and secondly the customer relationship management lack skill," telecom expert PVS Nagesh said.

While the TRAI is yet to release the figures for March, data for February 2015 shows that wireless subscriber base in MP has increased by more than 5 lakhs as compared to January 2015 to touch 6 crore mark.

All the private telecom operators in MP circle registered an increase in the wireless subscriber base during this period except BSNL.

The BSNL is focusing on increasing its landline subscribers’ base.

The company has announced unlimited free calling scheme during night hours from fixed line to any operator, including mobile phones anywhere in India.

The scheme is operational between 9 pm to 7 am and covers all type of connections, according to a statement issued by the company.

Mobile telephony

According to TRAI subscriber base data for February 2015, BSNL’s wireless subscriber base in MP circle has come down to 32.21 lakh from 38.07 lakh in January 2015

In February 2013, BSNL had 51.89 lakh subscribers in MP circle

Officials said the BSNL is focusing on increasing its landline subscribers’ base.