SRINAGAR, Sept 13:
With only Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited landlines being made operational in Kashmir valley, the communication gag has come as a blessing in disguise for the State-run telecom operator, which has been receiving applications in thousands, for restoration and new landline connections.
BSNL is also witnessing an overwhelming response for postpaid mobile connection, as people are hoping that the service will soon start in the Valley, where mobile and internet services remained suspended, since scrapping of Articles 370 and 35 A on August 5, by the Centre.
However, the rate for BSNL postpaid connect has increased overnight from Rs 500 to Rs 700.
During 2016 unrest, BSNL was the only telecom operator, whose postpaid connections were operational, while the rest of the players, including Airtel and Vodaphone, were asked to suspend their services for over six months, for security reasons.
“We have received fresh application and request to restore old landline connections in thousands in the Valley since the service was made fully operational on September 5. If there is feasibility, we are giving connections, but the volume is so huge that processing applications are taking time,” an official of the BSNL said.
He said they have also received thousands of applications for new postpaid mobile connections.
“The same trend was witnessed during 2016 unrest, when BSNL was the only telecom operator, which was providing services,” he said.
He said they have initiated processing applications for new postpaid connections. However, the postpaid connections will work only after green signal from authorities, he added.
“The rates to procure a postpaid connection has been increased overnight. On Thursday, I was told that the rate is Rs 500 and today, I was told that the rate to get the connection is Rs 700,” Younis Saleem, resident of Natipora, said.
Meanwhile, people alleged that they have to go from post to pillar to get a new connection or an old landline connection restored.
“There was some problem with my landline connection. I booked a complaint and later, also contacted the lineman, but it took the BSNL official over a week to restore my landline connection,” a resident of Budshah Chowk said.
The communication gag has also increased the demand of landline connections from security force agencies.
“There is also a high demand for landline connections from security force agencies, including the CRPF and Army,” the BSNL official said.
The communication network was suspended across the valley, including Srinagar, on August 5 as a precautionary measure to prevent rumours after the special status of the State was scrapped.
Suspension of the communication – landline, mobile and internet – network evoked sharp reactions, particularly from the families whose relatives were outside the Valley.
It was in the last week of August that landlines were restored to subscribers connected with Barzulla and Sonawar telephone exchanges. Landline phones of subscribers, including all media organisations from main BSNL telephone exchange, were restored only on Thursday.(UNI)
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