In the first instance, this sounds 'Cool', doesn't it? A 3G services for NE States by BSNL, by January 2009? But try asking the consumers' of BSNL services in this part of the country i.e., Ziro-Hapoli Township of Arunachal Pradesh, for them, this is an irony, a joke.
Why?
There is this mobile service provided by BSNL (the lone service provider), but no network to make a call (and you are talking about 3G services). There is this supposedly 'always-on Broadband Service' provided by BSNL, that seems to have forgotten when to turn on. And the greater irony is that the consumer has to shell out their hard earned cash for the service that has been denied to them by the service provider's laxity in restoring the service.
This on and off relationship with the services provided by the BSNL has been prevailing since 14th June, when torrential rain and subsequent landslide washed away the OFC linking Ziro Exchange with Itanagar Exchange. I wonder what is keeping the BSNL authorities such long from restoring the service? The only response that is forthright from them whenever anyone enquire about the prevailing condition of service is the cliché, 'Sir, the OFC has been cut by some miscreants at X or Y or Z location'. Well, can't they think of any other alternative to provide the service or to lay OFC that is out of reach from the so-called miscreants? Or is it just an excuse not to restore the service, after all they are getting paid for the services they are not providing ;)?
And to talk about the ambitious project of providing 3G services to NE states by January 2009; why don't they first concentrate on improving quality of service in this part of the country? Without network and poor QoS what would be the utility of 3G services, I wonder....
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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You have correctly highlighted the predicament faced by the BSNL subscribers of Ziro-Hapoli Township. They have been taken for a ride, having no choice but to make do with whatever excuse BSNL offers. BSNL should remember that it is not altogether private business entity aspiring for profit alone. It has a history of PSU behind it before being made semi private enterprise and so, essential public service should be part of one of its concern as before. Imagine what would happen to public transportation if APST does the same and not plying in unprofitable route in Arunachal Pradesh.
Sorry for coming up with something completely off-topic.
I keep hearing people talk about BSNL being a semi-private company which is nothing but a blurred notion of disinvestment/ privatization in neo-liberal India. Even many employees of the company think likewise. I wasn't sure as well until some time back.
BSNL is still 100% Govt. of India held corporation, formerly a part of DOT. In short, the company is run by a Board of Director rather than the ministry. Often corporatization transcends what is called privatization. BSNL is one of the largest employers in India and it is understandable that there is such hue and cry on the 10 percent equity dilution sought by the Govt. of India. The truth is, the disinvestment itself doesn't make BSNL a private entity.
There are lots of big and small PSUs where the Govt. has already offloaded 5-10% of its stake. ONGC, NTPC, IOC, GAIL, SAIL ... the list is endless. These aren't private companies and they are doing very well. Maybe public ownership actually lends to better managerial performance. I doubt, the government is in a hurry to sell-off these profit making companies.
It is when the company performs badly, the government will sell it off. Isn't that good for the country?
Tell me if I am wrong here. This wasn't an essay on Privatisation in India and no way directed to the commentator before this one. I just want my understanding to be clear on the topic. You learn/unlearn from others.