Brand: CellOne—GSM prepaid, Excel—GSM postpaid, Tarang—CDMA
Footprint: The CellOne service is available in a total of 20 circles. However, it doesn’t have a presence in the two most lucrative circles, Delhi and Mumbai. This is because of the other state-run company MTNL’s presence there. Nevertheless, BSNL has reportedly approached DoT for the permission to operate in these two metros
Leadership: Prithipal Singh (April 2002–December 2003), VP Sinha (April 2003 onwards): The short tenures of BSNL CMDs hardly give them the time and space to strategize and pursue a vision. Also, the decision-making process becomes long-drawn as files have to travel on corridors of the ministry.

Holding Company: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd: The rather sleepy public sector giant has a telecom presence in every nook and cranny of the country. Not only does it dwarf all competition in the landline business, it also has the potential to usurp cellular market share whenever it chooses to. In fact, the demand for new CellOne connections far exceeds the supply. If aggressive, BSNL can give private cellcos a run for their money.
Technology offerings: GSM, CDMA
Value-added services: SMS-based services, voice mail service, group messaging, national and international roaming, call forwarding, call conferencing, friend and family talk, call waiting and call holding facility, unified messaging services—provides voice mail, fax, e-mail, text to voice services over the mobile, surf WAP-enabled websites