The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has recently approved a significant revival package worth ₹89,047 crore for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), a state-run telecommunications company in India. This package marks the third government aid provided to BSNL since 2019, with the aim of enabling the company to offer 4G services in the coming months and 5G services by 2024 across the nation. The government’s total assistance to India’s fourth-largest carrier has now reached ₹3.22 trillion, reflecting its commitment to the development and growth of the telecom industry.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Spectrum Acquisition:
The latest package approved by the government is specifically intended to secure 5G spectrum in various frequency bands, including the 700 Mhz, 3300 Mhz, 26 Ghz, and 2,500 Mhz bands, which can also be utilized for 4G services. BSNL will acquire these airwaves through auctions, with the prices determined by the market and inclusive of goods and services tax. The total cost for spectrum acquisition in the four bands amounts to ₹46,338 crore, ₹26,184 crore, ₹6,564 crore, and ₹9,428 crore, respectively. This move will enable BSNL to offer pan-India 4G and 5G services, fixed wireless access services, non-public networks, and coverage in rural and uncovered areas.
Government Support and Financial Impact:
With this latest aid, BSNL’s authorized capital will increase from ₹1.5 trillion to ₹2.1 trillion, providing the company with the necessary financial backing for its ambitious plans. The total government assistance to BSNL, including the earlier approved packages in 2019 and 2022, has now surpassed ₹3.22 trillion. The government’s commitment to strengthening BSNL’s position in the market underscores its belief in the company’s potential to compete with major private players in the industry.
BSNL’s Path to Debt Reduction and Modernization:
Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his confidence that BSNL would become debt-free within three years. He emphasized that the government would not inject any additional equity or provide further state-backed debt to achieve this goal. Instead, BSNL’s debt reduction will be facilitated through internal accruals. The company has already made progress in reducing its debt, with a decrease of ₹10,000 crore by the end of FY23, bringing the total debt to ₹22,289 crore.
In addition to debt reduction, BSNL is determined to revamp its IT, HR, and technology platforms to enhance consumer-friendliness and competitiveness in the market. Orders have been placed with TCS-CDoT and ITI to purchase equipment for 100,000 4G sites, representing a significant step towards BSNL’s modernization efforts.
Implications for Consumers and the Telecom Industry:
The revival package and the subsequent availability of 4G and 5G services from BSNL will have far-reaching implications for consumers and the overall telecom industry in India. By expanding its network capabilities, BSNL will be able to offer high-speed internet access to a wider audience, especially in rural and underserved areas. This will contribute to bridging the digital divide and enabling greater connectivity and access to information for all segments of society.
Furthermore, the competition in the telecom market is expected to intensify as BSNL joins private players like Airtel and Reliance Jio in offering 5G services across the country. This increased competition is likely to lead to improved service quality, innovation, and competitive pricing, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Conclusion:
BSNL’s revival package, with its focus on acquiring spectrum for 4G and 5G services, marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards modernization and growth. The government’s substantial financial assistance and commitment to supporting BSNL’s transformation highlight the importance of a robust telecommunications sector in India. With the introduction of advanced technologies, BSNL is poised to play a vital role in driving digital connectivity and economic development across the nation. As BSNL continues its journey towards becoming debt-free and revamping its operations, consumers can look forward to a more competitive telecom landscape, improved services, and greater access to cutting-edge technologies.
Written by
Arpit Khandelwal
Linkedin: – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpit-khandelwal1/
