E-Paper
The great two-numbers-one-sim offer
TWO SIMS in a single mobile set. You were surprised when you heard about it. But in the world of fast changing technology, it has become old hat. But, what if you could have two mobile numbers on one SIM? The State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has made it possible.
TWO SIMS in a single mobile set. You were surprised when you heard about it. But in the world of fast changing technology, it has become old hat. But, what if you could have two mobile numbers on one SIM? The State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has made it possible.
After achieving the distinction of being the country’s number one circle with the largest number of subscribers in its fold, the UP (East) Circle has achieved another distinction of being the only circle, not only of the BSNL but also among the private operators, to make it possible for one to use two mobile numbers with the same SIM and set.
Known as the International Mobile Subscriber’s Identification Number (IMSIN), the new service will be available to the subscribers soon. In fact, the BSNL has already issued about 500 dual-number SIMs to the police department on trial basis. Some BSNL officers are already using the dual number SIMs.
“Currently, the service is under test and we propose to open the service to subscribers soon,” said a senior BSNL officer on condition of anonymity since “the bosses want to announce the achievement from a big platform.”
Under the new service, one can use dual numbers on the same SIM and of them one can be prepaid while another postpaid or both numbers can be of the same category. To use the two numbers one will be required to put either of the numbers in call forwarding mode and if one number is busy, the call will automatically be forwarded to another number. For dialing, one will have to use dial 1 and 2 options and dial the use the number one wishes to.
Initially, the BSNL is likely to provide dual number SIM facility to the close user group (CUG) customers, extending the same to others, gradually.
The official said IMSIN’s commercial aspects like tariff were being worked out. He claimed no private mobile phone operators has yet been able to begin IMSIN service in the country. “UP East Circle has accomplished this,” added he.
