ICT: Indicating its entry into the security sector, telecommunications company Bhutan Telecom (BT) launched a surveillance service, last week.

Calling it B-Secure, the service provides for four CCTV cameras installed at the customer’s home, both inside and outside the premises.

An additional feature allows for customer’s to monitor in real time the footage from their mobile device using a mobile app.

The company is marketing the service for a one-time payment of a little over Nu 30,000. However, this price will go up if the customer chooses to increase the data storage capacity of the surveillance system beyond 6GB (gigabytes).

Using the additional feature of monitoring footage using a mobile device will also cost users more as it means using the internet.

BT CEO Tshewang Gyeltshen said that the company introduced the service so customers can increase the security of their homes and deter burglars. He added that the service would prove useful for those customers who have to leave their children with babysitters or have elderly people in their homes. “You never know what will happen,” he said.

The CEO pointed out that the venture into security services is not part of the company’s collaboration with the Royal Bhutan Police to install CCTV cameras in Thimphu city, as part of the law enforcement agency’s Safe City Solution project.

BT also introduced two other services alongside its security service.

A mobile app that allows BT customers to view their mobile and internet bills online, activate 3G internet, and change their ringtone, was also made available. The app also provides general information on its mobile, fixed line, and internet services, allows for users to provide feedback.

Tshewang Gyeltshen said that more features to the app would be added later, to the point where customers would not have to visit the company’s counter.

He added that the app will also allow users to monitor their voice call and data usage. “We’ve realised that people get bill shocked sometimes,” he said, adding that now every usage can be monitored.

The third service launched was a mobile phone customised to act as a guide for tourists. The service will offer location based information to tourists such as on historic sites, cultures and traditions, and other necessary information.

Tourists will also be able to use the phone for calls and accessing the internet.

The device will also be equipped with a call button where tourists can alert a guide incase they get lost.

Gyalsten K Dorji