Cabinet Approves ₹6,000 Cr Package for BSNL & MTNL 4G Expansion
In a significant move to accelerate the 4G network expansion of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), the Union Cabinet has approved a financial package of ₹6,000 crore. This development is expected to improve connectivity and provide better network services for consumers across the country.
According to reports, the package will enable the setting up of around one lakh 4G sites, which will significantly enhance the network coverage and speed of both BSNL and MTNL. The expansion of 4G services is expected to benefit millions of consumers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where network connectivity is often a major concern.
The financial package of ₹6,000 crore is a significant boost for BSNL and MTNL, which have been struggling to expand their 4G networks due to liquidity constraints. The government’s decision to provide this financial support is likely to help the two PSU telecom operators to accelerate their 4G rollout plans and compete more effectively with private telecom operators.
As per the reports, an additional ₹6,000 crore will be required to fully fund the expansion plan. This means that the government’s financial support of ₹6,000 crore is just the beginning, and the two PSU telecom operators will need to raise additional funds to complete the project.
The approval of the financial package is seen as a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in the country. With the expansion of 4G services, consumers in rural and semi-urban areas will have access to high-speed internet, which is essential for accessing various online services, including e-governance, online education, and digital entertainment.
The government’s decision to support the expansion of 4G services by BSNL and MTNL is also seen as a strategic move to promote digital inclusion and drive economic growth. High-speed internet connectivity is a critical infrastructure requirement for various industries, including e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare, and the expansion of 4G services is likely to boost economic activity in these sectors.
The 4G expansion plan of BSNL and MTNL is also expected to create job opportunities in the telecom sector, particularly in rural areas where job creation is often a major challenge. The project is likely to require the deployment of thousands of engineers, technicians, and other skilled professionals to set up and maintain the 4G network infrastructure.
The government’s decision to support the 4G expansion of BSNL and MTNL is also seen as a step towards promoting competition in the telecom sector. The expansion of 4G services by the two PSU telecom operators is likely to put pressure on private telecom operators to improve their network services and reduce their tariffs.
In conclusion, the approval of the ₹6,000 crore financial package for BSNL and MTNL’s 4G expansion plan is a significant development that is expected to improve connectivity and provide better network services for consumers across the country. The project is expected to benefit millions of consumers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, and drive economic growth by promoting digital inclusion and competition in the telecom sector.
