Bharat Sanchar Nigam has planned to invest
Rs.19,400 crore in 2006-07, mainly on expanding its broadband and mobile
telephony services.
BSNL intends to finance this expansion plan
largely through internal accruals, and through borrowings of around Rs.6,000
crore.
The telecom major has planned to lay 20 million
lines across the country, out of which 16 million would be mobile. This project
would be part of BSNL's long-term plan of adding 60 million GSM lines, costing
$4 billion. In September 2005, BSNL had planned to lay 60 million GSM lines in
2006-07; a plan that now seems altered.
The investment plan is pending ratification by
the Planning Commission.
Also See:
BSNL to add 60
million GSM lines in 2006-07 (28-Sep-05)