MTNL has launched Convergent Voice SMS service for its subscribers in Delhi, in a bid to rectify the diminishing status of landline connections in India.

New Jersey-based mobile value added services (VAS) provider Kirusa has deployed and integrated the Kirusa Voice SMS platform into MTNL's fixed line and mobile networks. The solution is based on Kirusa’s KV.SMS, which claims to work on all handsets and networks and provides an open platform for deployment of additional applications. The platform can manage and synchronise data and voice interactions, as well integrate with IMS and 3G standards.

According to A K Arora, executive director, MTNL, “For the first time in the world, the landline subscribers can send voice SMS to other MTNL landline as well as mobile subscribers. The Kirusa Voice SMS is a unique convergent service that works seamlessly for fixed and mobile customers of MTNL.”

Arora further added that slowly but surely, MTNL has been able to resurrect the surrender of landline connections. “There is a decrease in the surrender of landline connections in 2006-2007 as compared to the previous year as we have introduced new services like broadband, wi-fi and IPTV services for our subscribers. We are planning to introduce group voice SMS service shortly and to extend this service for subscribers using other service providers’ networks,” said Arora.

The solution was deployed in about four months, including two weeks of trial in February 2007. Though the service is currently available only for MTNL mobile and fixed line subscribers in Delhi, MTNL soon intends to extend it to its customers in Mumbai.