New Delhi: State-run telecom firm BSNL has sought Rs6,652
crore as equity infusion from the government to fund its spectrum
purchase worth about Rs13,885 crore, telecom minister Manoj Sinha
informed Parliament on Friday.
BSNL has submitted a detailed
project report (DPR) to the Department of Telecom (DoT) for allotting
5MHz spectrum in 2100 MHz band, used for 3G and 4G services, in all
telecom circles where it operates, except for Rajasthan.
“BSNL
has sought from the DoT Rs6,652 crore as equity infusion out of total
spectrum cost of Rs13,885 crore. BSNL will pay the balance Rs7,233 crore
of spectrum cost in ten annual installments from its internal
accruals,” Sinha said in a written statement to the Rajya Sabha.
BSNL
has requested for allocation of 5MHz in 800 MHz spectrum band which is
used for 4G services at present. The state-run firm has plans to start
4G services this year by installing 10,000 mobile sites in all its
telecom circles. PTI PRS ADI MKJ