In a major incentive to the consumers, state-run Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd on Thursday indicated lowering of broadband tariffs by 50 per cent to Rs 199 per month from Rs 399, a move that could give private operators a run for their money.
"We have crossed 51,000 mark in Delhi alone and total subscriber base of over 90,000. We are adding more than 500 subscribers every day each in Delhi and Mumbai. We are targetting to take the number to 2,000 a day," MTNL chairman and managing director R S P Sinha said.
On the tariff front, Sinha said new tariffs would be announced soon, may be in a day or so, giving indications of it to be Rs 199 with similar amount of downloading previously.
Facing a huge rush for new connections, MTNL has also outsourced some of its activities, especially installation of broadband connections to outside agencies, Sinha said, adding that "currently we have hired only two agencies on the basis of tendering process. We may have to hire more agencies to meet the demand."
In another major plan for its subscribers, MTNL is contemplating offering free calls among subscribers provided each consumer buys three connections -- Fixed Line, Mobile and Broadband.
This would be possible as the calls within the network do not carry any levy obligation to be paid to another operator.
MTNL has a target of adding 500,000 broadband subscribers by the end of current financial year.
"I am confident of meeting the targets as the demand for MTNL broadband has been phenomenal," he said.