BSNL, MTNL Revival Package: Drain on the Exchequer, Result of Warped Thinking

The government will allot spectrum for 4G services to BSNL and MTNL 'to enable these PSUs to provide broadband and other data services. The said spectrum will be funded by the Government of India by capital infusion in these PSUs at a value of Rs 20,140 crore'.

BSNL – Yupp TV Ink Pact For Content Streaming, On-demand Services

BSNL and Yupp TV have now inked a deal to offer content streaming to users – broadband subscribers of the telco across India. This means that Yupp TV would now be offering on-demand content across the BSNL network. At this point in time, BSNL has begun testing 4G networks, but is yet to launch full-fledged 4G services. This is expected to come to the fore soon.

BSNL Now Offering Free Calling To MTNL Networks, Post-merger

With MTNL now getting set to be merged into BSNL, the state-led telco’s unlimited plans now offer free voice calling and benefits to MTNL numbers. These plans are the Rs 666, Rs 485, and Rs 429 prepaid recharge schemes respectively. If you are a BSNL subscriber, do check out free calling.

BSNL Announces Unlimited Calling for its Landline and Broadband Customers

GUWAHATI: On the occasion of Deepawali, BSNL has announced unlimited calling for all its landline and broadband customers. Customers can make unlimited calls to any landline and mobile number anywhere in India.

BSNL Rs 1,699 annual prepaid plan: why you need to buy this 455-day plan now

To make the ongoing festive season amazing for its subscribers, government-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has revised its Rs 1,699 annual prepaid plan with a string of additional benefits. The benefits will be applicable to those users who recharge before October 31.

On Diwali, BSNL Offers Free Unlimited Voice Calling Benefits to Landline and Broadband Customers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is offering unlimited voice calling benefits to all its landline and broadband customers, for a limited time, as a part of its festal celebration. The state-owned telecom operator has highlighted in a press note that with this offer BSNL customers will be able to make unlimited voice calls to any landline and mobile number all over India. BSNL also revealed about its Bharat Fiber extension plans and stated that it is set to bring the optical fibre-based service in the next couple of months to few towns and villages in India.

BSNL union welcomes revival package, opposes voluntary retirement scheme

The BSNL Employees Union has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to revive the public telecom body through financial package and by granting the 4G spectrum, but it is strongly opposed to the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) proposed as the overall package recently.

A delayed imperative: On BSNL-MTNL merger

 The Cabinet’s approval this week for a plan to revive the loss-making public sector telecommunications providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) has come not a moment too soon. From having been monopoly providers of telephone connectivity, the state-run telcos have had to contend with sweeping change since the opening up of the industry to private players and entry of wireless telephony in the 1990s.

Why a simple BSNL-MTNL merger is not the solution

This week, GoI announced that it proposes to revive the debt-ridden State-owned telecom operators Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) through measures that include a merger.

Unlimited calls to send greetings on BSNL this Diwali

On the occasion of Deepawali, BSNL has announced unlimited calling for all its land line and broad band customers. Customers can make unlimited calls to any landline and mobile number to their friends and families anywhere in India.

BSNL is poised to flourish after govt's Rs 70,000-crore revival package

The government’s decision to revive Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) with a Rs 70,000 crore package could unleash a new challenger into the telecom sweepstakes at a time when a debate is already underway on whether India will soon move from a three player to a two player private telco market.

Bhopal: BSNL offers free unlimited calls on Oct 27 and 28

BHOPAL: The BSNL will provide free unlimited STD/Local outgoing calls to any network for free, to all the existing BSNL landline subscribers for two days. Under another scheme, BSNL will provide free unlimited high speed broadband connections to every landline subscribers.

BSNL Rs 429, Rs 485, Rs 666 prepaid plans revised; brings unlimited calls, 121 GB extra data, and more

The latest merger of BSNL and MTNL has brought about a number of benefits to existing subscribers of the telecom service provider. The benefits start with voice call benefits. BSNL has announced that they will be providing free voice calling in Mumbai and Delhi circles for selected recharge plans. Previously, BSNL provided free voice calling apart from Mumbai and Delhi circles. The reason being those two circles are present because that's where MTNL has based its operations.

BSNL to offer VRS to 80,000 personnel

 Merger with MTNL might be completed in 18-24 months

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is planning to offer the planned Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to employees above 50 years of age and expects at least 80,000 personnel to avail it. The merger of the two companies — BSNL and Mahanagar Nigam Ltd (MTNL) — is also expected to be completed in 18-24 months.

BSNL must step up its game to survive

 Pumping in taxpayers’ money to revive the struggling PSU will be meaningless without a plan to compete for customers

BSNL Offers Free Unlimited Voice Calling Benefits to Landline, Broadband Customers on Diwali

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced that it will offer free unlimited voice calling benefits to all its landline and broadband customers, for a limited period, as a part of its festive celebration. With the new development, BSNL customers will be able to make unlimited voice calls to any landline and mobile number across India, the state-owned telecom operator has highlighted in a press note. BSNL has also revealed its Bharat Fiber extension plans and specified that it is set to bring the optical fibre-based service to a list of towns and villages in the country in the next couple of months.

Unlimited Greetings on BSNL network on Deepawali

On the occasion of Deepawali, BSNL has announced unlimited calling for all its landline and broadband customers. Customers can make unlimited calls to any landline and mobile number to their friends and families anywhere in India.. “We appreciate that on the festival occasions, our customers share greetings with their friends and families and as calling experience through BSNL landline is the best, so best wishes should be done through best possible medium” said Vivek Bansal, Director BSNL.

BSNL Landline and Broadband Customers Can Make Unlimited Voice Calls for 2 Days During Diwali

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today announced that its broadband and landline customers could make unlimited voice calls for a period of two days (October 27 and October 28). BSNL announced this limited period offer on the occasion of Diwali 2019. As part of this offer, eligible broadband and landline customers of BSNL can make unlimited calls to any landline and mobile number within India.

BSNL’s latest Diwali offer: Landline, broadband users get unlimited calls, check full details

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Friday announced a new Diwali offer for its subscribers. The operator said its landline and broadband users can make unlimited calls to any landline and mobile number in India on October 27 and October 28.

BSNL partners with YuppTV to offer bundled content

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and over-the-top (OTT) content platform YuppTV on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to offer bundled video content to broadband subscribers of the telecom operator to take on rivals Jio and Airtel.
The companies have entered a triple play partnership for video and broadband technology services for mobile and fixed line.

BSNL Rs. 429, Rs. 485, Rs. 666 Prepaid Plans Revised to Offer Unlimited Calls to Mumbai and Delhi Circles

BSNL and MTNL's announced merger has amounted to more benefits to existing subscribers, starting with voice call benefits. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced free voice calling in Mumbai and Delhi circles for select recharges. Earlier, BSNL used to offer free voice calling, except Mumbai and Delhi circles, because that's where MTNL operates, but that has changed for recharges of Rs. 429, Rs. 485 and Rs. 666 prepaid plans. For now, these recharges are seeing the inclusion of Mumbai and Delhi circles in the voice calling benefit, but more recharge should reflect the same change soon.

Union cabinet approves BSNL, MTNL merger; announced Rs 29,000 Cr for their revival

The Union Cabinet has approved the merger of state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) on Wednesday. Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government will put in Rs 29,000 crore for revival of both companies and their assets worth Rs 38,000 would be monetised. Prasad also said the merger would be

BSNL starts updating prepaid plans with free calls to MTNL numbers

Following the approval of a merger between BSNL and MTNL, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has started revising some of its prepaid plans with free calls to MTNL numbers, a facility which was unavailable prior to the merger.

BSNL is now offering free calls to MTNL numbers across three different plans for prepaid users. These plans include the Rs 429, Rs 485 and Rs 666 which previously existed. For those of you who don’t know, BSNL’s network operates across 20 circles in India while MTNL offers its services in Delhi and Mumbai. Previously, BSNL’s plans didn’t include free voice calling to MTNL numbers in Delhi and Mumbai and that is what has changed now.

BSNL Will Take On Competition After Merger With MTNL, VRS and 4G Spectrum Allocation

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was neck-deep in financial troubles since the last few years. The troubles became even more detrimental as Reliance Jio made its entry to the Indian telecom industry and bruised the sector with the data tariff war, thus hurting the financials of other telecom operators severely including BSNL. However, out of all the telecom operators, BSNL was the most in trouble with heavy debts and payments pending to vendors and its other operational creditors. On top of that, the telco was also dealing with a high churn rate of subscribers, falling revenue, and very high salaries to the employees. With all of this bringing down the financial sheets of BSNL, it was getting hard for the telecom operator to compete in the industry with the private telcos. But, now the government has brought forth a revival package for BSNL which includes VRS, 4G spectrum allocation and more and this is how it will help the ailing telecom company.

BSNL unveils prepaid plans for free voice calls to MTNL mobile numbers: All you need to know

The Union Cabinet just recently approved the revival plan of BSNL and MTNL. While there is still some time left for the merger to come into effect, BSNL has already announced new prepaid plans. The new plans give free voice call benefits to MTNL users in Delhi and Mumbai, where BSNL doesn’t have its operations. Currently, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) operates in about 20 circles.

BSNL announces prepaid plans for free calls to MTNL numbers

While there is still some time for the BSNL and MTNL's merger to come into effect, the companies have already come together to offer new free-calling plans to its users. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced that its three of its popular prepaid plans will now be offering free calls to MTNL numbers as well.

BSNL Rs 429, Rs 485 and Rs 666 Prepaid Plans Now Offer Free Voice Calling to MTNL Mobile Numbers

The Cabinet recently approved the merger of BSNL and MTNL and it seems like we don’t have to wait for a more extended period to see the changes come into effect. While the merger is said to happen in the coming months, BSNL has started providing free voice calls to MTNL customers in Mumbai and Delhi. Yes, you heard it right. Popular BSNL plans like Rs 429, Rs 485 and Rs 666 now offer voice calling to MTNL network as well. BSNL has made this move right after the announcement of the merger between two state-run telcos. For the unaware, BSNL is operating in 20 telecom circles, while MTNL operates in Mumbai and Delhi telecom circles. After the merger, it seems like there will be only one state-run telco and it could be BSNL as all the MTNL customers may be migrated to BSNL. Right now, there’s no info on how the merger will work, but it’s a good thing to see BSNL offering free voice calls to MTNL users as well.

How Merging BSNL and MTNL are Better for the Govt's .Telecom Business in India

Indian government has taken up the call to lift the air of uncertainty over the two public telecom companies i.e. MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) and BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited). Apart from merging the two financially stressed government entities, administration has decided to provide them with the package of around INR 70,000 crore. 

Government may go the InvIT route to monetise BSNL's assets, report says

Telecom minister Ravishankar Prasad, on October 22 said BSNL and MTNL will monetise their assets in order to retire their debts.
The minister laid out detailed plans to revive the two beleaguered companies that included raising Rs 15,000 crore via sovereign bonds, voluntary retirement scheme, capital infusion worth of RS 22,000 crore to buy 4G spectrum, among others.

MTNL locked at upper circuit after merger announcement with BSNL

Shares of government-owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) on Thursday surged by 4.92 per cent to Rs 6.19 apiece on the BSE after the Union Cabinet a day earlier approved its merger with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL).

"The Union Cabinet approves the proposal for revival of BSNL and MTNL by administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of bonds with a sovereign guarantee, reducing employee costs, monetisation of assets and in-principle approval of the merger of BSNL and MTNL," the government said in a statement.

Merger fine, but BSNL not out of the woods

The Union Cabinet’s decision to clear a nearly Rs 69,000 crore bailout package, albeit long delayed, for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) — two loss-making public sector telecom service providers — is a step in the right direction. After two failed attempts to merge MTNL with BSNL in the last 15 years, the government has finally bitten the bullet.

BSNL, MTNL to spend Rs 11,000 cr to build infrastructure for 4G services

Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL), under the recently announced revival package, will invest around Rs 11,000 crore to build infrastructure for fourth generation (4G) services.
The asset monetisation exercise in the first phase will help BSNL shave off its Rs 14,000-crore debt. “Those investments (for 4G spectrum infrastructure) will come internally and over the next couple of years or so, an official said.

Govt plans to take InvIT route for BSNL asset monetisation programme

To make the asset monetisation programme of BSNL a success, the government plans to take the recently expanded Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) route. This will be the first major use of the route by a public sector company and it follows last week’s announcement by the Reserve Bank of India allowing banks to invest in InvITs.

Letter to BS: BSNL, MTNL merger will prove to be important in the long-term

This refers to “BSNL, MTNL to merge, get Rs 70k cr push” (October 24). The new policy direction of the government should not come as a surprise. Considering the government has gone in for an amalgamated public telecom, it must be taken as an acid test for the acumen of the government and its bureaucracy. This might set a new tone and direction in the emancipated governance of public sector undertakings in future.

BSNL to Float Tender for 50,000 4G Sites in November

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which received a fresh lease of life on Wednesday as the Cabinet approved its revival plan, will float a tender in November for 4G expansion at up to 50,000 sites. Also, as the Cabinet has given in-principle approval to merger of BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, MTNL needs to delist from bourse. Pending merger, MTNL would act as a subsidiary of BSNL, said Telecom Minister R.S. Prasad.

BSNL revival plans better than earlier proposals: Employees’ union

The Sanchar Nigam Executives’ Association (SNEA), an employees’ union of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), said it welcomes the revival plans for the PSU, which is “much better” than its earlier proposal. However, the union is cautious on the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) announced along with revival package.

BSNL, MTNL revival not easy unless pricing improves: Kotak Securities

NEW DELHI: Kotak Securities Wednesday said that the ambitious revival of the two public sector telcos— Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) would not be as easy as conceived unless industry pricing sees improvement.

“The revival of the two public sector units is not going to be easy unless pricing improves and industry revenues expand substantially,” it said in a statement.

BSNL Will Deploy More Than 60,000 4G Mobile Sites In the Coming Year

The major hurdle for the state-led telecom operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been its lack of 4G sites all throughout the country. The government-led telecom operator has been lagging behind the private telcos whilst dragging its financially burdened balance sheet in the industry, and the major reason for its troubles has been the sparse 4G network. But, slowly things are about to change as the revival plan for MTNL and BSNL has been set in motion. With the help from the government, and new VRS schemes and other attempts, BSNL will get back on its track and most importantly will start deploying 4G network throughout the country. As per a PTI report, a top BSNL official remarked that the telecom operator has planned to install 60,000 4G mobile sites throughout the country with an estimated cost of up to Rs 72,000 crore. When this goes through, BSNL will have a massive 4G presence which it has been missing since long.

PSU telco Rs 69,000 cr bailout package: BSNL, MTNL merger will throw more public money down the drain

The government has announced the merger of BSNL and MTNL. The merger is being touted as a revival plan as well.
Here is why it will not work.

Right move to revive BSNL, MTNL

The Centre has taken the right decision to revive Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. While many have argued that the bailout of the two public sector companies is a waste of taxpayer’s money, there are three reasons why this move will prove to be strategically important in the long-term.

SC order means fines on Vodafone Idea, Airtel can fund BSNL, MTNL revival plan

 The Supreme Court has ruled that private telcos such as Vodafone Idea Ltd and Bharti Airtel Ltd need to shell out hefty payouts to the government, on account of license fee dues and penalties. The disputed license fee in question was about Rs23000 crore. But the amount the government was claiming, and is now likely to get as a result of the Supreme Court order, is over Rs90,000 crore, including penalties and interest.

MTNL share price rises 5% after govt announces merger with BSNL

MTNL share price was stuck in the upper circuit of 5% today a day after PM Narendra Modi-led Cabinet announced the merger of the telco with its state-owned counterpart BSNL. MTNL share price was locked in the upper circuit of 5% at Rs 6.19 compared to the previous close of Rs 5.90 on BSE. Market capitalisation of MTNL stock stood at Rs 389.97 crore on BSE.

BSNL-MTNL Merged To Get Back On Track And Fight Private Telecom Companies Together

The government is also bringing along a new strategy to get these companies back on track in the form of sovereign bonds, monetising assets and VRS or voluntary retirement schemes for employees.

As per the new decision, BSNL will absorb MTNL, post which MTNL will act as a subsidiary of BSNL. Oddly enough, MTNL is listed on NSE (National Stock Exchange) but is suffering from poor net worth. BSNL, on the other hand, remains unlisted.

Loss-making MTNL and BSNL get Rs 69K crore boost

New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday approved a RS 68,751-crore revival package for loss-making BSNL and MTNL, including 4G spectrum allocation and voluntary retirement scheme for staffers in the age bracket of 50 to 53.5 years, and their merger.

Govt announces $8 billion plan to help BSNL, MTNL catch up with private competitors

India announced an almost $8 billion plan on Wednesday to help loss-making state telecom providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd catch up with private competitors, including a merger of the two companies.
BSNL and MTNL have struggled to win customers as Reliance Industries’ telecoms arm Jio and rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have rolled out 4G services and cut prices on voice calls and data.

Make it all or quits on BSNL & MTNL: ET editorial

The decision to revamp BSNL and MTNL and merge them deserves a huge but a conditional welcome. Telecom is a strategic capability, a critical infrastructure on which a great deal of business and financial transactions are carried out and whose vulnerability to hacking could prove crippling for the economy and for national security.

High-speed, low-latency communications will enable a whole lot of innovation in the conduct of manufacturing, service delivery or real-time analysis of data by artificial intelligence to perform a range of operations.

India does have strong telecom service providers in the private sector, and regulation can mandate certain kinds of desirable behaviour on their part, true. However, on certain emergent occasions, it would be more secure and reliable to have a network that is directly accountable to the State, has a presence in remote areas and can act on a non-commercial basis. This is the rationale for retaining BSNL and MTNL.

Government announces Rs 30,000 crore VRS deal for BSNL, MTNL aging staff

New Delhi: The government announced a massive revival plan of around Rs 70,000 crore for the ailing state-run telecom firms - BSNL and MTNL, as looks to nurse back the companies to health and profitability over the next three to four years.

BSNL to roll out 60,000 mobile sites for 4G services in next 12-15 months

NEW DELHI: State-owned BSNL plans to roll out 60,000 mobile sites for 4G services across India for an estimate cost of up to Rs 7,200 crore, a top official of the company said on Wednesday. The company has already installed 10,000 mobile sites for 4G service in select cities of Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh and plans to activate all of them within one and half month.

Cabinet clears: Rs 70,000 crore plan to revive BSNL, MTNL

New Delhi: The government has approved a Rs 70,000 crore-plus package for reviving BSNL and MTNL that involves merger of the two state-run telecom operators and a voluntary retirement scheme.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved the revival package that includes raising Rs 15,000 crore via government-guaranteed bonds, allocation of 4G spectrum worth Rs 20,140 crore, and a Rs 38,000-crore asset-—mainly land bank—monetisation plan over four years.

Amit Shah congratulates PM Modi for taking steps to revive BSNL, MTNL

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking steps to revive Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

"I congratulate PM @narendramodi Ji for taking unprecedented steps to revive BSNL & MTNL, also to make them more competitive. Funding of over Rs 20,000 crore through capital infusion will be made and Sovereign guarantee for long term bonds of Rs 15,000Crore will also be provided," tweeted Amit Shah.

BSNL, MTNL aging staff to get Rs 30,000 crore VRS deal

NEW DELHI: A generous VRS package — amounting to nearly Rs 30,000 crore — awaits the aging employees of BSNL and MTNL, two of India’s biggest loss-making PSUs, as the government announced steps to revive them and reduce their massive manpower, which had been a big drain on resources.

Nagpur: BSNL cash crunch also affecting cashless treatment scheme

NAGPUR: The cash crunch in BSNL has also hit the cashless medical treatment scheme for employees in the state-owned telecom service provider.
Employees of BSNL can avail cashless treatment in designated hospitals. It has been learnt that the hospitals bills have not been cleared by the organization since close to six months. Many of the hospitals have started sending reminders for clearing the bills.

Govt approves BSNL-MTNL merger, clears Rs 70,000-crore relief package

Just days before Diwali, the government has taken a decision to lift the air of uncertainty over the two public sector telecom behemoths — Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). While approving a package of nearly Rs 70,000 crore for the two financially stressed entities, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday also drew up a timeline to merge them. Monetising real estate assets worth Rs 37,500 crore is part of the overall relief package that would be used to retire debts, upgrade networks and offer a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) aimed at reducing the companies’ employee strength by half.

Govt approves Rs 69k cr BSNL revival package

The government on Wednesday approved a Rs 68,751 crore revival package for the crisis-ridden state-run telecom firms MTNL and BSNL. This includes an allocation worth Rs 29,937 crore towards the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for the employees of BSNL.

Make it all or quits on BSNL & MTNL

The decision to revamp BSNL and MTNL and merge them deserves a huge but a conditional welcome. Telecom is a strategic capability, a critical infrastructure on which a great deal of business and financial transactions are carried out and whose vulnerability to hacking could prove crippling for the economy and for national security. High-speed, low-latency communications will enable a whole lot of innovation in the conduct of manufacturing, service delivery or real-time analysis of data by artificial intelligence to perform a range of operations.

Merge, mismanage and sell: Rahul's 'four-step' dig at BSNL-MTNL merger

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the BJP government over the merger of BSNL and MTNL, saying it follows the process of "merge, mismanage, show mega losses and sell cheap to crony capitalists".

Govt approves BSNL-MTNL merger, Rs 69,000 crore revival package

New Delhi: In a bid to rescue the government run telecom firms MTNL and BSNL from recurring losses, the government on Wednesday decided to merge the two firms as part of a revival package that includes raising sovereign bonds, monetising assets and voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for employees.

Narendra Modi's Cabinet approves merger, VRS, 4G spectrum to revive BSNL, MTNL

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet on Wednesday has approved the revival package for the two ailing telcos— Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), which includes Rs 15,000 crore infusion via sovereign bonds, a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) and allocation of fourth-generation (4G) airwaves, besides the merger of the two loss-making state-run operators.

Too little, too late? Merger unlikely to revive BSNL and MTNL, say analysts

The government’s proposed decision to merge state-owned telecom companies Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), announced after market hours on Wednesday, has come too late and might not meaningfully revive both companies, say analysts. They, however, believe that the proposed measure will create some competition for private players and contain operational costs.

Reliance Jio Leads in Wireless Subscriber Addition in August Month, BSNL Loses Wired Customers

When it comes to wireless subscribers, the Mukesh Ambani led telecom operator, Reliance Jio has been making very rapid progress in terms of subscriber base. The telecom operator has grown its subscribers base beyond 350 million subscribers as reported by its monthly quarterly earnings sheet. In the quarter ending August 31, 2019, the Mukesh Ambani led telco reported the most number of wireless subscribers by absolute numbers. As for the largest growth by percentage terms, Bharti Airtel was the operator to make the most massive number of subscriber addition. As per the reports on the subscriber base, Reliance Jio added 3.05 million subscribers in the quarter ending August, in the same period, Bharti Airtel closely followed Reliance Jio by adding 2.76 million subscribers.

Explained: Will merging BSNL and MTNL pull the two companies out of their problems?

The government on Wednesday approved a merger and revival plan for the state-run telecommunication companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Ltd (MTNL).

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Both the companies are reeling under the pressure of mounting losses and increasing competition in the sector. MTNL provides telephony services in Delhi and Mumbai, while BSNL is present in the rest of the circles in the country.

Increase in MSP, merger of MTNL with BSNL among major decisions of cabinet

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday took five major decisions including ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi, reform in petroleum sector, cadre review of ITBP officers, merger of MTNL with BSNL and increase in MSP of rabi crops.
Briefing reporters after meeting of Union Cabinet, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said that increase in minimum support price (MSP) of cereals, pulses and oilseeds of rabi crops will give a big boost to farmers.

Diwali bonanza: BSNL-MTNL to be merged

 BSNL to get 4G spectrum at 2016 price

Ending days of speculation on the fate of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), the Union Cabinet on Wednesday announced a bail out package that includes merger of the two companies, strengthening the finances through sovereign bonds, giving out voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) and providing 4G spectrum at administrative rates. The entire package would cost around ₹70,000 crore.

BSNL, MTNL to Be Merged; Government Will Raise Rs. 15,000 Crores for Revival

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the much-awaited 4G spectrum allocation to ailing telecom PSUs - BSNL and MTNL - and gave in-principle approval to their merger while allowing them to raise sovereign bonds of Rs. 15,000 crores for their revival. The allocation of 4G spectrum to them would be done at 2016 prices and administratively.

BSNL and MTNL being merged into a single entity; employees to get voluntary retirement option

The Union Cabinet has finally decided to merge the two ailing PSUs – BSNL and MTNL – into a single entity. The government has given the go-ahead for the consolidation and announced a four-step revival package to pump a new life to the loss-making telecom operators BSNL and MTNL.

BSNL Triple Play Services Will Offer Landline, Fibre Broadband and Yupp TV Content

The state-led telecom operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has announced a new partnership with the South Asian OTT content provider Yupp TV for providing triple play partnership for video and broadband services. With the entry of Reliance Jio in the broadband segment, with the launch of Reliance JioFiber, the broadband industry has become very competitive.

BSNL and MTNL to be merged, says Centre, will offer employees ‘attractive VRS package’

The Centre on Wednesday decided to merge telecommunications service providers Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited.
The two entities have been incurring losses. Earlier this month, MTNL employees alleged they had not been paid salaries for the past two months.

BSNL, MTNL merger: Govt announces voluntary retirement scheme for employees

The government has also announced an 'attractive' voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for BSNL and MTNL employees after announcing the merger of the two telcos.
"If an employee is 53-and-a-half years old and opts for VRS, he will get 125 per cent salary, pension and gratuity till the age of 60," Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ravi Shankar Prasad said at the press briefing after the Cabinet meeting.

Why merging BSNL and MTNL is a good idea

The Cabinet decision to merge BSNL and MTNL is probably the third attempt at merging the two public sector telecom companies.
In 2002, then Communications Minister Pramod Mahajan came up with the idea to merge Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd.

Diwali Bonanza By Modi Govt! Cabinet Approves BSNL-MTNL Merger With 4 Way Revival Package

New Delhi: With an attempt to revive the loss making telecom Public Sector Units (PSUs), the Union Cabinet on Wednesday has finally given a nod to merge the two ailing firms Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). The move comes as part of a revival package for the state-owned telcos that includes raising sovereign bonds, monetising assets and voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for employees.

Top headlines: BSNL, MTNL to merge, Infosys controversy so far and more

The government on Wednesday decided to merge loss-making telecom firms MTNL and BSNL as part of a revival package that includes raising sovereign bonds, monetising assets and voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for employees.Briefing reporters on decisions taken by the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government will put in Rs 29,937 crore for revival of the two state-owned telecom companies.

BSNL, MTNL to be merged as part of a ₹ 56,000 crore rescue plan

NEW DELHI : India will merge its twin state-run telecom companies in an effort to turn around the money-losing firms, which it considers core assets.
The strategy would also see the government look at ways to exploit the vast land assets of the two companies while paring their manpower by offering incentives to employees to avail an early retirement plan.

Exclusive: Happy Diwali for BSNL staff: Telecom PSU pays the salary for September

Relief for BSNL employees: In good news for lakhs of BSNL employees and their family members, the public sector national telecom operator – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited Wednesday paid the salary for the month of September, ultimately, paving the way for Diwali celebrations. It’s a big relief for nearly 1.6 lakh BSNL employees and officials who have been staring at an uncertain future for quite some time.

Govt Approves BSNL-MTNL Merger; Offers Attractive VRS Package To Employees

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved a revival package of Rs 29,937 crore for the state-owned telecom companies BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Limited) and allowed an in-principle merger of the two. BSNL will absorb MTNL, to act as a subsidiary post the merger.

Centre Announces Merger Of BSNL, MTNL To Revive State-Owned Telecom Entities

The Centre on Wednesday announced that the Union Cabinet had approved a revival plan for the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and had decided "in principle" to merge the two entities.
Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, in a press conference, clarified that neither MTNL nor BSNL was being closed or divested, allaying apprehensions of employees and users.
"The government is neither shutting nor divesting stake in MTNL and BSNL," he said.

MTNL to be merged with BSNL for revival of state-owned telecom firms

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved revival plan of BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) and in-principle merger of the two.

India decides to merge MTNL and BSNL and offer voluntary retirement to many of its employees

A huge decision by the Narendra Modi government to merge two ailing state-owned telecom operators.

MTNL will be merged with BSNL. The process will take time and in the mean time, MTNL will act as a subsidiary of BSNL. BSNL will raise ₹15,000 crore via sovereign-backed bonds as part of the revival plan.

In revival plan for MTNL and BSNL, cabinet announces merger of the two

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday decided to merge state-owned telecom firms Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). Telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad made the announcement and assured that neither MTNL or BSNL are being closed or being disinvested.
“BSNL and MTNL will be merged and the government will put in Rs 29,937 crore for revival of the companies,” he said.

BSNL and MTNL revival plan: Government approves in-principle merger, assets worth Rs 38,000 crore to be monetised

The government has decided to give a fillip to state-run telecom firms BSNL and MTNL. Assets worth Rs 38,000 crore will be monetised in the next four years, according to communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Ravi Shankar Prasad added that Rs 15,000 crore worth of sovereign bonds will be raised to be serviced by MTNL and BSNL and expressed hope that in two years both the companies will be profitable.

BSNL and MTNL Revival Plan to Cost Around Rs 74,000 Crore: Report

State-run telcos BSNL and MTNL are eagerly waiting for the revival package from the government to arrive so that they can compete with the competition in a better way. According to a new report from IANS, the revival plan for both BSNL and MTNL will cost around Rs 74,000 crore, of which Rs 22,000 would be used for acquiring 4G spectrum and for the voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). Another report from ET Telecom says the revival for both the telcos has received approval from the Cabinet, following the high-level meetings held on October 23. BSNL operates in 20 telecom circles, except Mumbai and Delhi where MTNL provides services to the customers. While BSNL is constantly adding new users every month, MTNL is losing the subscribers on a regular note.

BSNL inching closer to a point of no return

NEW DELHI: From a telecom behemoth earning a miniratna status to an ailing firm gasping for breath now, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is longing for at least a fair treatment from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

BSNL now offers 1 GB daily data, 28 days validity in the Rs 108 prepaid plan

Days after Reliance Jio announced the 'All in one' plans, BSNL has also announced changes to its Rs 108 prepaid plan.
As spotted by Gadgets 360, BSNL's official website in Chennai lists a promotional offer on the Rs 108 plan, per which, users will now get 1 GB daily data and an increased validity of 28 days. Additionally, it offers unlimited voice calls to home network as well as roaming calls, except Mumbai and Delhi circles. It also includes 500 SMS messages.

BSNL Extends Availability of Rs. 108 Prepaid Plan, 1GB Daily Data and 28 Days Validity in Tow

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has extended the availability of the Rs. 108 prepaid recharge plan to December 12. The Rs. 108 prepaid plan was announced as a promotional offer for 90 days back in July. The state-owned operator offers unlimited voice calling benefits alongside free bundled data for 28 days. The Rs. 108 BSNL prepaid plan also carries a quote of 500 SMS messages. Just earlier this week, BSNL extended the availability of its Rs. 1,188 'Marutham' prepaid plan until January 21, 2020.

YuppTV partners with BSNL to offer customised streaming experience

YuppTV, one of the first OTT players in the country, has entered into a strategic partnership with BSNL to offer triple-play service to enhance video and broadband technology services for mobile and fixed-line users.

BSNL 4G Nearing, “IndiaNeedBSNL” Trends On Social Media

BSNL is now again trending on micro-blogging site Twitter. Now, the latest hashtag is “IndiaNeedBSNL”. This comes after there were two other recent trending hashtags viz “Switch to BSNL” and “BSNL 4G”. Twitterati has been expressing desires to check out the official rollout of BSNL 4G, and do not want to witness a shutdown of the government-led telco. 

BSNL Expects to Complete 4G Rollout Within 12-15 Months of Spectrum Allocation

The government's plan to revive BSNL should be in the public domain within a month while 4G spectrum will be allocated to it by the end of this year, the chairman of the troubled telecom firm said on Monday. BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar also said that the salary of all employees will be paid before Diwali on October 23 and 24.

BSNL to now tackle JioFiber: Cable TV, broadband and landline to come in under one bill

The launch of Reliance JioFiber was expected to introduce massive changes in the broadband and DTH industry with radical pricing structure. While that has gained momentum or not is yet to be seen, rival BSNL is already going ahead with a similarly structured plan for its broadband services in select circles. And if things go well, we could see this new all-in-one bill service from BSNL broadband across the country.

BSNL 4G Service Launch in 20 Telecom Circles to Happen by March End

BSNL is now confident of launching 4G services in the country by the end of the current financial year (March 2020), according to BSNL Chairman, PK Purwar. Furthermore, he also confirmed that the revival package for BSNL would come out in the next month, while the 4G spectrum allocation to happen by the end of 2019. While this news from the company’s Chairman may sound redundant to some, he seems to be actually confident this time around.

BSNL is offering this long term plan with 1200 SMSes but you should skip this plan if you use smartphone

BSNL has been coming up with some radical plans for its prepaid subscribers in the affordable segments for a while. For less than Rs 500, BSNL customers can get some great plans that offer higher value than similar plans from private sector telecom operators. However, for its long term plans, the operator has some catching up to do and that is evident with its updated long term annual plan for its subscribers in the Chennai and Tamil Nadu circles.

BSNL partners YuppTV to launch streaming service for users

NEW DELHI: Over the top (OTT) player YuppTV on Monday entered into a triple play partnership with BSNL to offer video content and broadband technology services to mobile and fixed line users.

In a statement, the video content provider said that given BSNL’s wide reach especially in tier 2 & 3 markets with a fervent mobile base, it has the potential of providing Triple play services to any corner in the country.

BSNL to roll out 4G services by the end of March 2020

New Delhi: In a relief to the cash-strapped telecom PSU, Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) is set to roll out 4G Services by the end of this financial year, said PK Purwar, CMD, BSNL.

In a market where the other telcos were able to garner a huge amount of revenue from data-services, non-availability of 4G spectrum for BSNL pushed the company further down. Government is said to allot 4G spectrum to BSNL by the end of this year, said BSNL Chairman and Managing Director P K Purwar.

BSNL Extends the Availability of Rs 1,188 Long-Validity Prepaid Plan for Another 90 Days

BSNL has now extended the availability of Rs 1,188 Marutham plan by another 90 days. Back in July this year, BSNL launched the long-validity Rs 1,188 plan for prepaid customers under the promotional basis for 90 days. However, the plan seems to have got a decent response from the customers and the company will now provide the plan until January 21, 2020.

BSNL Shutdown will Cause Digital Tsunami

India’s telecom industry is passing through a very difficult phase, just like a directionless ship in a stormy sea. Presently, almost every person in the country owns a mobile phone. If the government does not enforce rules strictly and a well-thought mechanism is not put in place, the country will face digital tsunami in the days to come. There are many reasons for this apprehension and only a few are mentioned in this article for the interest of telecom users.

BSNL 4G Deployment Soon, "Switch To BSNL" Trends On Social Media

BSNL is again in the news as far as social media trends are concerned. The telco is again trending, under the hashtag, “Switch to BSNL” and this trend has been rising consistently. This comes after BSNL 4G was also trending very recently on the micro-blogging site. As of now, BSNL 4G services are hugely expected to be launched. 

BSNL Issuing 4G SIM Cards To Those Porting In – 4G Services Incoming?

BSNL’s 4G services could now be coming earlier than expected. This is because the government-led telco has started issuing 4G SIM-cards to subscribers porting n to its network, from other networks. If such port-in subscribers use 4G smartphones, then it is obviously possible to access 4G services from BSNL, once this goes live, within such handsets. Check this out now. 

BSNL likely to launch 4G services by month-end

Customers using BSNL network are likely to get access to 4G services after October 30.

With this, the internet speed is likely to increase and BSNL subscribers can download photos and videos faster.

BSNL Mangaluru Circle (Mobile network division) DGM Balachandra Bhat told DH that the work on installing equipment to provide 4G services to 164 tower stations was in progress and the work is likely to be completed by end of October.

Jio and BSNL Both Offer Rs 2,499 Broadband Plan, But One has Better Speeds and Benefits

The broadband sector in India has been flourishing since the past few months, and we have seen the launch of some of the most attractive fibre-based broadband plans in the country. This has majorly been because of the coming of Reliance JioFiber in the nation which has propelled the other broadband service providers to ramp up their offerings and provide better services to the customers to remain competitive.

Govt Admits India Needs BSNL, Shutting Down Won’t Work? Employees Salary Before Diwali?

The fate of BSNL is still undecided, and there are various statements and observations coming from every side over this issue.

Even as we speak, BSNL employees haven’t received their salary since last two months, however, at the same time, Govt. is all set to spend Rs 16,000 crore for hiking Central Govt. employees’ allowances.

BSNL is in strategic interest of nation, we are looking into issues: Ravi Shankar Prasad

NEW DELHI: Existence of BSNL is in strategic interest of the nation and the government is looking to resolve issues plaguing it, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Thursday.

The law and telecom minister acknowledged that there are problems in the telecom sector, which are being looked upon by the government.

Full-fledged BSNL 4G Services Speculated To Come To The Fore Soon

BSNL is now said to be launching 4G services throughout India. This should offer people lots to cheer about. This is because, 4G expectations form BSNL have been at an all-time high, especially now considering the fact that private telco Reliance Jio announced that it would levy 6 paise per minute Interconnect Usage Charge (IUC) on customers making voice calls to other non-Jio networks. As of now, BSNL has started offering new 4G SIM-cards to customers. 

Jio accuses Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL for alleged cheating; Airtel rejects

KOLKATA: Reliance Jio Infocomm has accused Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) of ‘cheating’ by fraudulently masquerading landline numbers as mobile numbers to unfairly earn interconnect revenue. The charge was rejected by Airtel, which said the Mukesh Ambani-owned telco was trying to ‘misguide’ the telecom regulator amid the ongoing consultation process on interconnect usage charge (IUC), as the war of words over the contentious fee heated up further.

BSNL union seeks scrapping of AMCs to curb further expenses

About 2,000 crore is spent unnecessarily on annual maintenance contracts, say executivesAs an austerity measure, executives of the debt-laden Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) are ready to take over the maintenance of all equipment installed by the public sector unit (PSU).