New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working on a revival plan for the ailing state-run telecom firm, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the telco said in a statement. Digital Communications Commission (DCC), the highest decision-making body of the government in the telecom sector, will consider the telco's revival plan. As BSNL's annual losses ballooned to Rs 31,287 crores at the end of 2017-18, the government had asked BSNL to consider all possibilities, including closure and a revival plan aimed at disinvestment.
"Department of Telecom (DoT) is in the process of finalising a proposal for revival of BSNL to be considered by the DCC very soon," the telco said.
The statement was made after a media report said the government was looking to close down BSNL. BSNL, however, dismissed the report saying there was no proposal being considered by the government.
Moreover, the government said that it holds BSNL in high value for its inherent strengths as a telecom services provider with a strong infrastructure and a wide reach, notably in rural areas.
"It is clarified and reiterated that DoT would like to see a robust BSNL, duly strengthened and financially viable, dedicated to servicing the nation and playing an important role in the telecom sector," it added.
Following billionaire Mukesh Ambani-run Reliance and Jio's entry in the market in September 2016, state-driven BSNL is aggressively looking at consolidating its customer base.