Question : Services and Spectrum by MTNL-BSNL

(a) the details of the number of services including spectrum being provided by MTNL/BSNL across the country, State/ UT-wise including Maharashtra;

(b) the details of the number of States/ districts/villages being covered by 2G/3G service of MTNL/BSNL across the country, at present;

(c) whether the Government is planning to provide 4G spectrum to MTNL/BSNL to start rolling out 4G service across the country to compete with private players;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) the time by which it is likely to be implemented along with the funds likely to be sanctioned therefor; and

(f) the details of the number of States/ districts/villages likely to be covered initially under this service?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a)&(b) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) are providing various telecom services i.e., basic wireline telephone, mobile, broadband, internet, ISDN, IN, Wi-Fi hotspots, leased circuits and Data Centre service in their Licensed Service Areas (LSAs).
Circle/LSA/district wise detail of villages/areas covered by BSNL and MTNL by 2G/3G is at Annexure.

(c) to (f) BSNL has submitted proposal to allot spectrum by equity infusion of Rs.6767.5 crore by Government in BSNL for its spectrum requirement for providing 4G services. Similarly, MTNL has submitted proposal to allot spectrum by preferential share capital infusion of Rs. 6,295 crore by Government in MTNL for its spectrum requirement for providing 4G services. Department of Telecommunication (DoT) decides the issues keeping in view the relevant criteria in this regard, including the decision of the Apex Court. As per their proposals, BSNL and MTNL plan to install 1,00,000 and 9,750 4G BTSs respectively to roll out 4G services in their LSAs. BSNL has already started 4G services in a few LSAs. As on 31.12.2018, 1385 numbers of 4G BTSs including 577 4G BTS in Maharashtra are operational.