NEW DELHI: In a major initiative to push its commercial revenues, All India Radio is launching a Toll Free – 15102 - to connect with advertisers.

This is a first of its kind initiative in a bid to provide a one-stop window for those looking for an easy way to advertise with All India Radio's various stations, and will be launched on Independence Day, 15 August.

The toll free number will connect the stations of AIR and it will become faster to answer and tackle the problems encountered by advertisers in reaching the pubcaster.

It will also provide an avenue for those who want to expand their business but have a limited budget to publicise and indulge in other promotional activities.

Since All India Radio has maximum penetration as well as reach at both domestic and international levels, advertisers can gain a lot without spending too much. All India Radio's programmes through its 413 Stations and 584 transmitters reach nearly 92 per cent of the country's area and 99.19 per cent of the total population of AIR in 23 languages and 146 dialects.

Senior Prasar Bharati officials said, "As we are essentially working for the betterment of the country and public at large, our charges are basic and coverage is the best. An advertiser will certainly be better off with this toll free number."

These officials claimed that this was one of the many steps being taken by Prasar Bharati to stay connected with the public and have a more dynamic public face so that they can serve better.