The Parliamentary Panel on Communications and IT has expressed concerns over the lack of progress in the monetisation of assets of state-owned telecom companies Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL). In its report presented to the Lok Sabha, the panel emphasized its earlier recommendation that the government should intervene at the highest level to address the issue of land reservation/designation and expedite the monetisation process.
The report also mentioned that the Department of Telecom (DoT) has not provided any updates on the status of land reservation/designation with state governments, which is hindering the monetisation prospects. The committee highlighted that properties in Mumbai are particularly affected by reservation and designation issues, leading to a decrease in property value. It suggested that policy adjustments may be necessary to resolve this.
Additionally, the panel emphasized the need for the DoT to take necessary measures to ensure the successful rollout of 4G services by BSNL. It noted that BSNL has not been granted a level playing field in comparison to private telecom service providers for the rollout of 4G services. The committee reiterated its earlier recommendation that BSNL should be allocated 5G spectrum in all bands and be given equal opportunities to purchase equipment, in order to level the playing field with private providers.
