...But will it make a success story?

CHANDIGARH: To begin with it was touted as the poor man''s mobile. But then things changed.
What is the kind of market space that BSNL''s CDMA based WLL limited mobility service is likely to occupy in the unified licensing era?
In the prevailing scenario, the telecom sector has put a question mark on the very concept of limited mobility. ‘‘This was a concept ushered in by the regulatory authorities, otherwise there is nothing like limited mobility.Either you are fully mobile or you are completely grounded,'''' said a cellular company official.
Cellular industry insiders say that the unified licensing regime in the telecom sector has acted the proverbial nail in the coffin for limited mobility. ‘‘Now, the major players earlier with limited mobility services have already upgraded to full mobility. The few that are left are looking at doing so as and when their finances permit,'''' said another official. Reliance Infocomm and Tata Teleservices are some of the operators who have taken to the full mobility route.
In spite of the disadvantages on the mobility front, the limited mobility service providers touted the cost advantage as USP of their services. Though the tariffs for BSNL limited mobility service is still cheaper than the cellular service, the difference has narrowed down a great deal owing to the competitive forces.
BSNL authorities say that the service is being offered essentially to supplement its fixed line services. Its will primarily be a middle of the road service between the full mobility offered by its GSM network and the basic services. ‘‘It is still the cheapest option available and will be a hit among subscribers whose movement is limited to Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali,'''' claimed a BSNL official.
The corporation hopes to attract customers whose work does not demand much out of city travel. Secondly, it also hopes to rope in the household segment, especially the housewives, who otherwise are not interested in the full mobility services.
‘‘At a much lesser cost, it will enable members of the family to stay in touch while on the move within the city,'''' an official said. Owing to its similarity on the tariffs front with the basic service, it will also present an option to the new subscribers.
From the social commitment angle, the service will help the corporation connect people where its basic services are technically non-feasible.
The corporation, however, ultimately, plans to upgrade the limited mobility services to full mobility apart from adding a host of other features.