Lacking government support, BSNL plans to monetise fibre network

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is thinking of leasing out its vast optic fibre cable network to private players as it seeks to fund a voluntary retirement scheme and regular expenditure in the absence of monetary support from the government.

BSNL chairman Anupam Shrivastava did not divulge details of the plan, but said the entire exercise could take two to three months before the matter is passed on to its board for consideration.

The company, based on a government advisory, is conducting an internal assessment and audit to monetise its fibre assets, estimated to be worth Rs 50,000 crore.