BSNL is considering various options for its much-awaited OneIndia plan. The public sector telco may roll out a plan offering free local calls and STD call charges of Re one per minute. The monthly rentals will also be increased under the OneIndia plan.

However, there is no consensus yet over the definition of area to be covered under "local calls". "Some circles like Uttar Pradesh (West) and Uttaranchal are spread over hundreds of kilometres and it makes little sense in offering free calls over this vast area. The debate is on over defining the area for local calls," sources said.

"There is a strong proposal for making local calls free to facilitate OneIndia. But the final decision will be made in keeping mind the fact that BSNL is not unduly burdened," they added.

The plan, which was expected to bring STD charges on a par with local calls, is stuck over balancing of tariff plans. The OneIndia plan was scheduled for announcement on the Republic Day.

Around 65 percent of the BSNL's subscribers use the network only for making local calls. Currently, BSNL is charging local calls in rural areas at 80 paise per 3 minute. "BSNL may hike rental charges in rural areas. It is expected to go up from the current Rs 80 to Rs 300-500 per month," sources said.

However, there is little scope for increasing rentals in urban areas, which are already Rs 180 per month. Users in urban areas also pay higher charges for local calls as compared to their rural counterparts. BSNL will offer the services under the "OneIndia brand".

Mr Maran had earlier said OneIndia will be in place by January '06 Among private operators, Reliance Infocomm had announced 'One Nation One Tariff' scheme on January 1 this year, offering STD call anywhere in the country for just Re 1 per minute. But users have to pay the operator a fixed minimum amount every month.

(www.tmcnet.com)