Cabinet Approves ₹6,000 Cr Package for BSNL & MTNL 4G Expansion
The Union Cabinet has taken a significant step towards accelerating the 4G network expansion of two of India’s leading telecom operators, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). The Cabinet has approved a financial package of ₹6,000 crore to support the expansion of 4G networks by these public sector undertakings (PSUs). This move is expected to improve connectivity and provide better network services to millions of consumers across the country.
The approved package is a significant development in the context of the competition in the Indian telecom sector, which has been dominated by private players such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea. BSNL and MTNL, both government-owned companies, have been struggling to keep pace with their private counterparts in terms of network quality, speed, and coverage. The 4G expansion package is expected to help these PSUs bridge the gap and offer competitive services to customers.
According to reports, around one lakh 4G sites will be set up as part of the expansion plan. This will significantly enhance the coverage and capacity of BSNL and MTNL’s 4G networks, enabling them to offer better services to customers. The improved network infrastructure will also enable faster data speeds, higher quality voice calls, and enhanced overall user experience.
The ₹6,000 crore package is a significant investment by the government to support the growth and development of the telecom sector. While this amount is a significant step forward, it is still short of the full amount required to fund the expansion. According to reports, an additional ₹6,000 crore will be required to fully fund the expansion plan.
The approval of the package is seen as a positive step by the government to support the PSUs and promote competition in the telecom sector. The move is expected to benefit customers by providing them with better network services and more choices in the market. The government’s decision to invest in the expansion of BSNL and MTNL’s 4G networks is also expected to boost the overall growth of the telecom sector and create jobs in the industry.
The announcement of the financial package has been welcomed by industry experts and analysts, who have been advocating for government support to the PSUs. “This is a significant step forward by the government to support the growth and development of the telecom sector,” said an industry expert. “The package will help BSNL and MTNL to expand their 4G networks and offer better services to customers. It is a welcome move that will promote competition in the market and benefit consumers.”
The government’s decision to invest in the expansion of BSNL and MTNL’s 4G networks is also seen as a strategic move to promote digital India and achieve the goals of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018. The NDCP aims to promote digital communication services, increase broadband penetration, and ensure that every citizen has access to high-speed internet.
In conclusion, the approval of the ₹6,000 crore package for BSNL and MTNL’s 4G expansion is a significant development in the Indian telecom sector. The package is expected to improve connectivity, enhance network services, and promote competition in the market. While the amount is a significant investment, it is still short of the full amount required to fund the expansion. Nevertheless, the move is expected to benefit customers, promote digital India, and drive growth and development in the telecom sector.
