Imphal, May 17: Promising phone connectivity throughout the nook and corner of the State by next year, general Manager (SSA/Manipur) of BSNL M Haridasan assured that first rate service would be extended to the people.

Briefing reporters on the occasion of World Teleco-mmunication Day today, the GM disclosed that laying of optical fibre cables (OFC) in all the important district headquarters are set for completion within this year end.

Highlighting that problems normally associated with e-governance through the State-wide area network would be eliminated once the ongoing work is completed, Haridasan revealed of BSNL policy of establishing connectivity between the Govt offices and its units at relaxed amount in case State authorities grant the right in laying OFC along the highways.

Science and Technology authorities have already approached BSNL on the matter, he maintained.

The main objectives is to �fulfil provision of telecom facilities to villagers by 2006, mobile facility to villages with more than 2000 population, OFC connectivity and broad band service in all the district Hqs and poleless connections in important towns.

Regarding bill clearance and associated aspects, Haridasan said a customer service centre would be set up at Lamphel ex-change and apart from plan to set up a new telephone exchange at churachandpur.

He also cited poor power supply, import of SIM cards in bulk from other states among other impeding smooth service network.

Contrary to substantial revenue collection in the previous fiscal on the country-wide scale, BSNL�s NE-II circle covering Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland suffered loss to the tune of Rs 36 crores of which Manipur alone accounted for Rs 18.5 crores, the GM said adding that recovery process of pending bills is being expedited.

Pointing out that rate tariff of BSNL is comparably less than other service provider, he also announced implementation of �student power scheme� and introducing other service like GPRS at the earliest.

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