Prithipal Singh addresses reporters in Siliguri. Picture by Avijit Sarkar

Siliguri, May 27: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is set to revamp its fixed line telephone network.

At a news conference today, BSNL chairman-cum-managing director Prithipal Singh unveiled a slew of customer-friendly initiatives to upgrade services.

“Siliguri is the gateway to the Northeast. It is important to have a large and strong fixed-line network here since the services offered through fixed-line are better than any other facility. In places where cable lines cannot reach, wireless in local loop will be encouraged,” Singh said.

Siliguri has about 92,000 landline users.

“We are trying to work out better planning services to provide high-speed Internet and broadband services,” Singh said.

“Not only improving services, but also adding value to them by providing greater customer satisfaction is what we are aiming at,” he added.

Apart from opening more single-window online cash counters and customer-care centres, the department is also working on packages that would give customers more choice.

“We are working on a convergent billing system, which can make it possible for a subscriber to get a customised bill for fixed lines. He can even get a separate bill for a particular day on special request,” Singh said.

Singh stressed on a system that is fault-free, only possible when satellite exchanges are connected with the main exchange through fibre optic cables. In Siliguri, that is how most exchanges work. A five-pair cable network will replace existing wires used from the distribution box.

“The five-pair cable network will bring down the number of faults,” S. Prasad, BSNL deputy general manager, accounts (Siliguri telecom circle) said.

Soon, it will be possible to send short message services (SMS) from fixed lines.

“We are working on it. Of course, customers will need a display unit, apart from the landline, to display the messages. We hope to start the service soon,” Singh said.