BSNL, MTNL Earn ₹12,984 Crore From Monetisation; No Privatisation Planned

Since 2019, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) have collectively generated ₹12,984.86 crore by monetising non-core assets, including land, buildings, telecom towers, and fibre infrastructure.

This initiative follows government-approved policies aimed at optimising asset utilisation while ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Telecom Firms’ Asset Monetisation Details

As per data shared by Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar in the Lok Sabha, up to January 2025:

• BSNL earned ₹2,387.82 crore, while MTNL garnered ₹2,134.61 crore from the sale of land and buildings.
• From telecom towers and fibre infrastructure, BSNL secured ₹8,204.18 crore, while MTNL received ₹258.25 crore.

The government is actively monitoring the impact of these asset sales on the companies, ensuring that monetisation aligns with the broader goal of strengthening their financial health and operational efficiency.

No Plans for BSNL and MTNL Privatisation

Addressing concerns over potential privatisation, Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar reassured Parliament that the government has no plans to privatise BSNL or MTNL. Instead, significant investments are being directed towards modernising their infrastructure and expanding network capabilities.

Recently, the government approved ₹69.82 billion ($800 million) in additional capital expenditure for BSNL. Furthermore, a dedicated ₹60 billion package has been sanctioned for the 4G network expansion of both BSNL and MTNL. This investment aims to strengthen their market presence and enhance connectivity across India.

MTNL Share Price Performance

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) share price gained 14.69%, rising ₹6.35 to reach ₹49.59 at 9:50 AM on the NSE, compared to its previous close of ₹43.24. MTNL opened at ₹46.30, hit a high of ₹51.18, and recorded a low of ₹46.30 during the session.

Conclusion

The monetisation of non-essential assets has provided BSNL and MTNL with a significant financial boost while ensuring efficient resource utilisation. With government backing and fresh investments, these state-owned telecom firms are poised for a revival, focusing on network expansion and improved service quality.

By ruling out privatisation, India is reinforcing its commitment to retaining BSNL and MTNL as key players in the telecom sector, ensuring competition and affordable services for millions of users.

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