BSNL, MTNL revival: 4G spectrum in lieu of equity, VRS offer on table

Amid crisis at both state-run telecom operators BSNL and MTNL, the Prime Minister’s Office has stressed that the companies need to be revived and has asked Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to work out a solution.

Nripendra Misra, principal secretary to Prime Minister, met the top bosses of both the firms along with telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan on Tuesday to discuss the matter. The PMO has given a green signal, primarily to three-four proposals, which include allocation of 4G spectrum in lieu of equity, reduction of staff costs by way of voluntary retirement and monetization of land assets to reduce debt.

As per sources, the DoT has been asked to work out the proposals in a time-bound manner. “The PMO is very clear that both BSNL and MTNL should survive and the government will do its bit to let the firms do that,” a source said.