BSNL-MTNL Must Merge for ‘Long-Term Survival’: Parl Panel

MTNL and BSNL are now taking steps to modernise their wireline and wireless networks.

Image used for representational purposes. (Photo: Reuters)

A parliamentary panel has suggested a merger of state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL for their long-term survival.

The Committee on Petitions, chaired by BJP MP Bhagat Singh Koshyari, in its report tabled in Lok Sabha on Friday, said a merger would help the entities survive against private sector players.

It is of the “considered opinion that for the long-term survival and success, merger of MTNL and BSNL would be a good proposition,” the panel said in its report.

The committee was formed to look into representation received by BJP MP Arvind Sawant regarding improvement in services provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

The Department of Telecom (DoT) informed the panel that both the public sector firms are in financial losses and are facing declining revenues from loss of market share and increasing expenditure.

The DoT submitted that the PSUs have not been able to invest adequately in the expansion and modernisation of their network, leading to coverage issues.

It said these firms are now taking steps to modernise their wireline and wireless networks.

The DoT informed the panel about Phase 7 and 8 network expansion plan of BSNL. On MTNL, the DoT said it has been unable to upgrade its GSM and landline network for the last three-four years due to constraint of funds but is exploring Managed Service Model with BSNL for its mobile services.

The panel said the synergies and advantages inherent in an integrated national telecom infrastructure would pave the way for lower cost of investment and greater combined ability to face competition.

"The Committee, therefore, urges the government to embark upon the prospects of merger of MTNL and BSNL for which, initially, an Expert Committee could be constituted," it said.