MTNL-BSNL to target 50 mn new phones

Expressing concern over decline in the share of public sector companies BSNL and MTNL in overall telephones during the last five years, the government on Friday asked them to plan for an additional 100-150 million lines over the next three years.

"In order to maintain market domination, MTNL and BSNL must plan for an additional 100-150 million lines over the next three years," IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran said at the meeting with heads of telecom circles in New Delhi.

The Minister directed the head of circles and chief general managers to prepare detailed plans with yearly and monthly targets in circle and secondary switching area wise.

"These targets would be monitored by a committee to ensure its compliance. Planning ahead is crucial to expansion," he said.

The Minister called for an integrated and professional approach in meeting the targets of providing 200-250 million telephones by 2007.

Maran asked heads of telecom circles not to restrict themselves to the voice services alone for revenue generation but focus on Internet and broadband services to ensure financial viability.

"We must achieve 20 million Internet connections and 10 million broadband connections by 2007. Circle and SSA-wise plans for providing the targets planned under the scheme should be drawn and junior staff must be trained to promote and deliver broadband services," Maran said.