Telecom PSUs plan synergy

New Delhi, Feb. 22: The government on Thursday unveiled an ambitious plan for bringing together state- owned telecom orga- nisations for greater operational synergy, including effective utilisation of human resources as well as land and buildings. The strategic plan outlined by the Department of Telecom ( DoT) will allow greater synergies amongst the stateowned entities and pave the way for them to jointly tap business and opportunities in promising areas like 5G, and Internet of Things.

The action plan covers seven entities — Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd ( MTNL), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd ( BSNL), Indian Telephone Industries Ltd ( ITI), Centre for Development of Telematics ( CDOT), Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd ( TCIL), Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipments ( TEC), BharatNet ( BBNL).

Speaking on the occasion, telecom minister Manoj Sinha said the PSUs play a strategic role in nurturing and enhancing the government’s intervention capabilities in matters of protection of consumer interests, disaster management and national security.

These organisations need to work in tandem in the market, to face competition, address new business opportunities arising from government initiatives like Digital India and Smart City, and for optimum utilisation of their resources, he added.

He cited the examples of BharatNet and the turnaround of ITI to underscore the positive outcomes of the strategic plan for the telecom PSUs.

“We have identified specific areas where our teams will work on including manpower, settlement of legal issues and utilisation of vacant space, land and buildings,” Mr Sinha said.