State run telecom operator, BSNL has now announced that its subscribers will be able to access Facebook even without internet connectivity. For this, BSNL subscribers have to opt either for a monthly, weekly, or a 3 day plan which cost Rs 20, Rs 10, and Rs 3 respectively.
For the service, BSNL has employed Unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) technology which is currently also being used by operators to provide various Value Add Services. Checking balance on one’s cellphone by typing few chratachters (like *101#) is one of the uses of USSD technology. Similarly, here BSNL will use USSD technology to enable users to access their accounts, view/post status messages, respond to friend requests, write on friends’ walls, view birthday reminders and send messages without any Internet or data connection.
The operator has joined hands with U2opia Mobile to provide Facebook access through USSD in East and South zones immediately; the service will be launched shortly in West and North zones.