BSNL unveils 3G mobile services in Pune

State-run Indian operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam BSNL has launched 3G mobile phone services in Pune, writes the Business Standard. The pilot launch will enable 2 Mbps data connectivity to 2,000 BSNL post-paid mobile subscribers in Pune free of cost. BSNL has rolled out 3G services for subscribers with the Plan-725 on a first-come, first-serve basis in Pune. The BSNL service will provide facilities such as video conferencing, video calling, video MMS and visual mail box to subscribers. Chandra Prakash, chief of BSNL's Maharashtra and Goa circle, said that BSNL has partnered mobile service vendors ITI and Alcatel-Lucent India to provide 3G services. Initially, the subscribers will be able to use only the video-call facility and other facilities will be provided over the next six months. BSNL plans to introduce 3G services in 56 cities and towns across the Maharashtra and Goa circle, for which the company has invested INR 3 billion. Chandra Prakash was also quoted as saying that the charges for the service will be finalised after completion of the bidding procedure for spectrum allocation.