As per the latest revelation, telecom operator BSNL has announced its investment of
Rs. 4,000 crore in this fiscal year to expand its mobile network including installation 8,700 towers. As per the GSM industry body COAI, BSNL had 14.56-per cent market share with around 9.71 crore mobile subscribers at the end of May 2013. BSNL losses, as per unaudited results, stood at Rs.8,198 crore for 2012-13, compared to Rs.8,851 crore posted in 2011-12.
The figure does not include around Rs.2,700 crore which the company has to get from the government for supporting rural landline operations.
RK Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director, BSNL, said, As part of our phase 7 expansion plans, we are planning to invest Rs.4,000 crore on mobile network. We will be installing 8,700 mobile towers – of which 50 per cent are 3G.
He added that the network expansion, which is currently under way, is likely to be completed by March next year. The company has already placed order for procuring equipment for north and south zones and it would place a contract for the east zone soon. The PSU is aiming to strengthen its position in the industry. The firm, which is currently the fifth-largest player in terms of mobile phone subscribers, is striving to reach the top in the coming years.
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