The mobile operations of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) in Mumbai will be handed over to the Central Government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). BSNL will officially begin maintenance and day-to-day operations of MTNL’s network in Mumbai starting September 1.
Among the reasons for the handover is unutilized or underutilized network infrastructure including cell towers, wiring, coupled with inadequate staff. MTNL is also facing heavy competition from other networks, leading to several disconnections.
Read - No Light At The End Of Tunnel Before Diwali For BSNL, MTNL Employees
BSNL will be tasked with expanding the existing 4G network with new infrastructure while also managing to attract consumers with aggressive tariffs. Although MTNL has around 15 lakh landline connections within Mumbai, it only has 5 lakh mobile connections.
As per the terms agreed by the boards of MTNL and BSNL, the latter may include its staff to enhance service and operations in the future. MTNL General Manager, Brigadier Deepak Sharma sent a letter to MTNL Mumbai’s Executive Director saying that expenses will be covered through a common pool.
Expenses include spectrum charges, license fees, employee salaries, electricity bills, rental of sites, etc. Despite the shifting of responsibilities, MTNL will reportedly continue to manage its fiber network across Mumbai. MTNL will also be in control of assets and Capex liabilities.
Also read - BMC Imposes Penalty, Requests FIR On Telecom Operator For Illegal Digging In Byculla
Share
Tweet
