The rapid developments in telecom technology such as emails, e-chats and video conferencing and mobile phones which offer a slew of other quick communication services have pushed the humble telegram into a silent corner, and this once unique and only communication service the world have had will be entering the annals of history from next month.

 

Come July 15, the state-run BSNL will formally stop the 160-year-old telegraph service–once the main source of quick and urgent communication, the service delivered many a happy and sad piece of news to people all over the globe from across the country. BSNL has sent a circular to all its telecom district and circle offices in this regard recently.

 

The state-run telco, which is neck deep in losses, took the decision as it has become commercially unviable to continue operations as also the government has refused special fund infusion for the same.   "We have taken a decision to close the service after consultation with the Department of Posts. They also said there are better options available," the company said. The surplus telegraph staff will be deployed to mobile services, landline telephony, broadband services and shifting could take place within the next three months.

 

Faced with declining revenues, the government had in May 2011, revised the telegram charges after a gap of 60 years. The telegram charges for inland services were hiked to Rs 27/50 (characters) from Rs 3/50 earlier. Two months ago, telegram services for overseas communication were withdrawn by BSNL.  Within a short time of BSNL handling telegram services in the 1990s, the PSU had a rift with the Department of Posts following which telegrams were accepted as phonograms from various villages and other centers from telephone consumers. This too had restrictions and embargo during certain hours.