Yes people ..!! The unending wait for the 3G service promised by BSNL is almost over. If officials in the telecom sector are to be believed, BSNL will launch its much-awaited 3G mobile services in Ernakulam district within two weeks. 3G mobile services were launched in the state for the first time in Kozhikode about a month ago and the service has already been implemented in other districts including Thrissur, Malappuram and Kollam.

Though the launch in Ernakulam district was planned in the last week of December 2009, it was postponed to the first week of January 2010 and then to January end. The officials said that the delay in the launch was due to there being more towers in Ernakulam than in other districts.As many as 240 Base Trans receiving Stations (BTS) are to be activated in Ernakulam for proper network coverage for 3G. That’s why the service was delayed.

BSNL is hopeful to launch it’s 3G service two weeks time. With the launch of the 3G service mobile, subscribers will have access to the latest 3G-technology based coverage. Officials are hoping that about 15 percent of the existing subscribers in Ernakulam circle will move to the 3G sector. 3G, the third generation mobile communication system, has a number of additional services including video calls, internet access with speed up to 3.6 Mbps with live video footage, live TV on mobile and facilities to download video, news, current affairs and sport content.

BSNL is investing an amount of Rs 650 crore in the state for the 3G project together with the expansion of the existing 2G network to cover more than 95 percent of the inhabited parts of the state.

The BSNL has launched a new project titled ‘Project Udaan’ that enables the customers to apply for a new broadband or land-line connection just by sending an SMS or by making a phone call to the BSNL call centre.

A statement from the BSNL on Tuesday said that the new service would be available only to customers in Ernakulam district in the initial phase and would be extended to other districts in a phased manner.

How to avail the offer : The service can be availed of by sending SMS ‘BB landline number with STD code’ to 9446344000 or send message ‘LL/BB/BSNL’ to phone number 54141 or call BSNL call centre at 1550. An executive of the BSNL will reach the customer’s door step with out much delay, the statement said.