State-run telecom firms Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to coordinate operations.
The collaboration project comes as part of the Indian government's efforts to support and revive these public-sector telecom firms. Over the past four years, the Indian government has approved Rs 3,23,047 crore in financial support to bolster BSNL and MTNL, which have been struggling with financial challenges.
Additionally, an allocation of Rs 1.39 lakh crore has been earmarked for the BharatNet project, managed by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which aims to provide broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas across the country in order to promote digital inclusivity.
"The MoU with BSNL will pave the way for synergy of operations between MTNL and BSNL in order to provide pan-India telecom services as a public sector enterprise under the government of India," MTNL said in the filing.
Among the primary objectives of this partnership is to operate as a unified public-sector enterprise under the supervision of the Indian government. This reasserts the government's commitment to maintaining a strong public presence in the telecom industry and ensuring the accessibility of telecom services to people across the country.
