No proposal to merge MTNL and BSNL: Telecom Minister
What's the story
There is no proposal to merge telecom companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL), Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said in a conference today. He said that they had appointed a consultant to revive MTNL, who has given some recommendations. He, however, did not explain the recommendations. MTNL serves Mumbai and Delhi alone, while BSNL serves the rest of the country.
Getting 5G
Getting 5G is government's priority: Sinha
Sinha said the government will do everything to ensure that the country gets the latest generation telephone services. "Getting 5G to reality is our government's priority and we are serious about it," he said. A May 7 news report had quoted an unnamed official as saying that there is a proposal given by central public sector to merge all the state-run telecom firms.
5G budget
Rs. 50-lskh-crore for rolling out 5G services: BSNL MD
BSNL's MD Anupam Shrivastava quoted some estimates which peg the total investments to roll-out 5G services at up to Rs. 50 lakh crore, but affirmed that the technology will be deployed by December 2019. The entry of Reliance Jio in 2016 along with its deep cut in the interconnect user charges, which led to financial troubles and job losses is to be noted.
Cheaper 5G
Department may approach SC for cheaper availability of 5G
When asked if the government will help with the cheaper availability of 5G, Sinha hinted that the department may approach the SC, which had passed a judgment asking for the sale of spectrum assets. "There's a SC order in 2G case. We are bound by that. We've asked TRAI to give recommendations and on that basis, if needed, we will approach SC," he said.
5G players
5G to be rolled out by multitude of players
Sinha added that the 5G services will be rolled out by a multitude of players beyond the current set of telecom service providers (TSPs). "TSPs are facing financial difficulties due to competition. But 5G rollout will not be only by TSPs; there will also be others investing in it depending on use cases. If needed, the government will help," the Telecom Minister said.