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.