State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is to upgrade its more than 32,000 TDM-based telecom exchanges with IP next generation telecom exchanges.
Time-division multiplexing or TDM is a method of transmitting and receiving independent signals over a common signal path, while NGN-based telephone exchanges provide both voice as well as broadband facility.
More than 15 lakh capacity has already been converted into a Next Generation Network (NGN).
In addition to voice and data, BSNL will also provide several value-added services (VAS), which were not available in TDM technology, to NGN customers. These value-added services include all-India close user group (wings CUG), fixed Mobile Conversion, multimedia video-conferencing and pre-paid telephone.
These facilities will be available across the country to users who have migrated to NGN technology. BSNL will not be charging additional for pre-paid services and a discounted tariff has also been made available for other VAS services.