Indicate by check mark
whether the registrant by furnishing the
information contained in this Form is
also thereby furnishing the
information to the Commission pursuant to Rule
12g3-2(b) under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes ______ No ___X___
Investor Relations | |
(55 61) 3415-1140 | |
ri@brasiltelecom.com.br | |
www.brasiltelecom.com.br/ir/ | |
Media Relations | |
(1 646) 284-9400 | |
ialmeida@hfgcg.com |
BRASIL TELECOM BEGINS THE MIGRATION FROM PULSES TO MINUTES
Brasília, January 31, 2006 Brasil Telecom has delivered today to Anatel a list containing the 2,860 locations within its concession area where it intends, as of August 1st, 2006, to charge minutes instead of pulses in local calls among fixed-line terminals. As of this date, the Company will also be capable of presenting bills, containing detailed information on local calls, when requested by its customers. The new billing system will reach, approximately, 9.3 million lines in service.
A list containing 857 locations where Brasil Telecom does not plan to change the billing system was also delivered to Anatel. This decision was taken because implementation costs were high, amounting a little over 190,000 lines in service (2% of the lines installed). Consequently, as of March 1st, 2006, local calls among fixed-line terminals will be provided for by the basic subscription fee.
The information delivered to Anatel and the actions taken by Brasil Telecom are in compliance with Anatels resolutions 423 and 426, which regulate the new billing system for local calls between terminals of the PSTN, which will be in effect in 2006.
Brasil Telecom announced to Anatel that its strategy for the implementation of the new billing system (charged in minutes) foresees, in two stages March 1st and August 1st - that the customers will be informed of the migration of the billing system from pulse to minute, 30 days in advance and during 60 days following the launch date, respectively.
In July, more than 1,300 switching centers will be updated and capable of billing minutes instead of pulses, indicating an estimated total investment of R$ 250 million, which is included in Brasil Telecom´s 2006 budget.
For further information, visit our website www.brasiltelecom.com.br.
BRASIL TELECOM S.A.
| ||
By: |
/S/ Charles Laganá Putz
|
|
Name: Charles Laganá Putz
Title: Chief Financial Officer |