VIDESH SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED (VSNL)
VSNL is India's exclusive provider of international telecommunication
services, offering both basic and value-added services. It was incorporated
in 1986.
 VSNL
is one of India's top ten companies, with the Government of India
holding a majority stake. In 1998, the company was awarded 'Navratna'
status (One of the 'Nine Jewels') by the Indian Government. This
granted VSNL special managerial and operational freedom to participate
in joint ventures and strategic alliances. In 1998-99, VSNL handled
over 1.9 billion minutes of international telephone traffic and
earned revenues equivalent to US$1.6 billion. VSNL has built an
extensive infrastructure of facilities to provide its customers
with state-of-the-art telecommunications services.
Basic Services
International Telephony : VSNL offers International Direct
Dialing facility to 236 countries from India. The facility to book
collect calls and fixed time calls is also available through VSNL's
operators.
International Telex : International Telex is one of VSNL's
basic services, providing a convenient and cost-effective means
of communications to almost 237 countries in the world.
International Telegraph : VSNL provides International Telegraph
Services to 30 Countries all over the world.
Value Added Services
 Home
Country Direct Services : Foreign visitors in India can call
directly through their own country's telephone operator and can
even charge their call to their home number or credit card.
India Direct Services : VSNL has introduced the India Direct
Service from different countries around the world. To use this service,
a person in a foreign country calls a unique access number and is
connected automatically to an MTNL operator in Mumbai. The MTNL
operator will then pass the call onto the desired number in India.
Direct numbers are different for every country and are either toll
free or charged at local call rates.
At present India Direct services are available from 28 countries.
VSNL Internet Access Services : Enables subscribers to send/receive
E-mail, read news, surf the net, download files, log on to remote
machines, chat, listen to music, do purchasing on the net and more.
ISDN : Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) enables
a customer to make data call and voice call using single end-to-end
digital network. This service is available with 21 countries and
23 Administrations.
Gateway Electronic Data Interchange Services (GEDIS) : This
service provides customers with the ideal environment for national
and international electronic trading.
Gateway Electronic Mail Services : This service provides
full-featured domestic as well as international E-mail and forward
fax services to Indian customers. This service enables 60 - 70%
reduction in the fax communication bill.
Gateway Packet Switched Data Services (GPSS) : This service
enables economical, low and high-speed data communications.
Specialised Services
 Video
Conference Service : This facility allows people who are far
apart to meet face-to-face, without the expense, time and hassle
involved in international travel. Customers can be connected directly
to 19 international destinations.
INMARSAT Services : This is a mobile communication service
for commercial as well as distress and safety applications at sea,
in the air and on land.
International Private Leased Circuit : VSNL provides international
private leased circuits for point-to-point, fast, efficient and
reliable communications to aid modern business houses in their need
for effective and economical telecommunications.
Author : Anuradha Sriraman
Pictures : Leslee Lazar
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