(a) whether BSNL has not been able to effectively utilize the
spectrum available with it unlike its competitors in the private sector;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(d) the likely impact of surrender of spectrum by BSNL on various
programmes of Government including e-governance initiatives and common service centre?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA)
(a) BSNL is effectively using GSM & CDMA spectrum in all the
LSAs(Licensed Service Areas) allotted by Government. BSNL is also
utilizing the BWA spectrum by providing wireless broadband services
to Common Services Centres (CSCs)/Village Panchayats as per the Government program.
(b) & (c) Do not arise in view of (a) above.
(d) In case BSNL’s request for surrendering of BWA spectrum in
certain LSAs is accepted by Department of Telecom (DoT), BSNL shall
provide the CSCs/VPTs (Village Public Telephones) coverage on alternate
technologies i.e. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscribe Line) / 3G/ EVDO
(Evolution Data Optimized) in those LSAs.