GoM on MTNL, BSNL revival to discuss spectrum issue on Aug 1

The Group of Ministers on revival of loss making telecom companies BSNL and MTNL is likely to focus on spectrum related issues, cumulatively amounting to about Rs 23,000 crore of these state-run telecom firms in their meeting scheduled for August 1.

"Among few selective points that we have seen, DoT has included spectrum related issues for discussion in this meet," a government official said.

Spectrum related issues include demand by these public sector units for refund of their wireless broadband airwaves that can be used for 4G services and one-time spectrum charge levied on them for holding airwaves beyond allocation made to them with licences.

BSNL and MTNL were asked to pay Rs 8,313.8 crore and Rs 4,533.97 crore on June 20, 2010 for the broadband airwaves. One-time fee for BSNL's GSM spectrum amounts to around Rs 6,912 crore and MTNL Rs 3,205 crore.

These two issues of both the PSUs jointly account for Rs 22,964 crore.

MTNL reported widening of the net loss to Rs 5,321.12 crore for financial year 2012-13, compared to Rs 4,109.78 crore in FY'12. BSNL losses, as per unaudited results, stand at Rs 8,198 crore for 2012-13, compared Rs 8,851 crore posted in 2011-12.