Date:23/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/04/23/stories/2007042301931500.htm

Airtel PCO services in MSRTC buses

Our Bureau

Mumbai April 22 Bharti Airtel has entered into a tie-up with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to launch its GSM-based Airtel PCO services in over 4,000 MSRTC buses. Airtel will offer the pre-paid PCO service in over 4,500 MSRTC long distance and medium-long distances buses, said a company release.

This facility will enable MSRTC bus commuters to make calls to any destination in India for Re 1; local calls will be charged at Re 1 for 60 seconds and STD calls at Re 1 per 20 seconds.

"The PCO facility will be deployed for a period of two years and depending upon the response of the passengers, this facility will be extended to other buses on other routes as well," said Mr Madhukar Kokate, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, MSRTC.

MSRTC will be responsible for cash management for the PCO operation in their buses, while Airtel will be responsible for the maintenance cost. Currently over 1,000 PCOs have been installed in MSRTC buses. All installations would be completed by last week of May , the release added.