Reusable Identification Module (RUIM) card, with a bandwidth of 144 kbps, is all set to make its debut in a week’s time. “Card, akin in appearance to SIM cards used in GSM phones, will be available at BSNL customer service centres in the State within four days,” said General Manager (Network Planning), Karnataka Telecom Circle N Janardhana Rao. About one lakh RUIM cards are expected to be sold by this year-end, he added.

The card has many unique features. An interesting feature is that the user can opt for an eight-digit number, similar to landline phones or go in for a ten-digit number. “Those, who make more calls to landline phones should opt for eight-digit numbers,” Rao said.  

Also, voice quality will be superior to existing cards, he added. Moreover, speed of data transmission places it ahead of other cards used in GSM phones. “Cards presently used for existing 2G phones or GSM phones are only 14kbps. Some brands offer it in multiples, in some cases it may reach upto 56 kbps. Thus, voice and data transmission at 144 kbps is unheard of in the country,” the official stated.

CDMA handsets are available at prices ranging between Rs 1,800 and Rs 5,000. A recharge card is available for Rs 200 and one can opt for either post-paid or pre-paid rental schemes. Recharge and top-up vouchers are already available in the market. “Same voucher used for bulky fixed wireless BSNL telephones can be utilised for RUIM card,” the GM (Network Planning) informed.