BSNL clarifies to DoT over Niti Aayog’s ‘apprehensions’ on 4G-based services

NEW DELHI: State-controlled telecom service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has clarified to the department of telecom (DoT) on ‘apprehensions’ raised by the national policy think tank Niti Aayog, on raising preferential equity infusion for the rollout of much-awaited fourth-generation or 4G technology-based services.
“We have already responded to the DoT on concerns raised by the Niti Aayog which wanted to ascertain few things including revenue from 4G services, spectrum bands, and equipment to be deployed,” BSNL chairman Anupam Shrivastava said, adding that its concerns were legitimate.
The Amitabh Kant-headed body has earlier objected to the proposal of preferential equity infusion amounting to close to Rs 14,000 crores for the 4G foray of two public sector telecom firms— BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), indicating uncertainty over return on investments.