To implement the state-owned telecom firm BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited), the Union Cabinet on July 27 approved a package of ₹1.64–lakh crore for the BSNL revival. This package of 1.64 lakhs includes ₹44,993 crores 4G administrative allotment.
Also, the union cabinet approved a proposal to merge Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) with BSNL. BSNL will get an additional 5.6 lakh KM of optical fiber with this merger.
Confirming the same, Union Minister and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the revival measures approved by the Cabinet focus on fresh capital for upgrading services, allocating spectrum, de-stressing its balance sheet, and augmenting its fiber network by merging Bharat Broadband Nigam Ltd (BBNL) with BSNL.
He added that the infrastructure created under BharatNet will continue to be a national asset, accessible on a non-discriminatory basis to all the Telecom Service Providers.
Top of all, it is also announced that the government will provide Rs 13,789 crore to BSNL as viability-gap funding for commercially unviable rural wire line operations during 2014-2020.
