BSNL to pump Rs 75,000 crore

NEW DELHI: With an aim to expand its subscriber base and introduce broadband services in the nation, Bharat Sachar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is envisaging an investment of Rs 75,000 crore over three years for expansion of its services in the broadband and the mobile sector within the country.






"Over a time-span of three years, we are planning to invest over Rs 75,000 core to expand our network. Most of the expenditure done in this area is likely to be met from internal accruals, however we are also examining other options," said BSNL CMD AK Sinha.





With its expanding customer base, BSNL is expecting to have more than 125 million subscribers in the country. "India is a huge market and we are trying to increase the penetration. We have set a target of 125 million subscribers (including landline, mobile and broadband) in the next three years from the current 46 million," he added.





Commenting on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's recent proposal to further reduce the access deficit charges (ADC), Sinha said that BSNL had already written to TRAI against the move. "We have taken this matter with TRAI and have written to them. Further reductions in ADC will make our operations, especially those in the rural areas non-sustainable," he explained.