0 MTNL not to participate in 2G spectrum

MUMBAI: Telecom operator
MTNL today said it has no
plans to participate in the 2G
spectrum auction as it already
has the spectrum required to
carry out the business.
"We already have spectrum
and licence with us. We have
sufficient spectrum. So we will
not participate in the auction,"
MTNL chairman and
managing director AK Garg
told reporters on the sidelines
of an even here today.
Stating that the government-owned utility firm
was now focusing more on GSM services
network, broadband services and wired telecom
segment to expand its reach, he said that MTNL
is working on fiber-to-home project, under
which it aims to provide 15,000 ultra high-
speed broadband connections in Delhi and
Mumbai where it primarily operates.
"We want to expand and looking at 250 sites
(towers) each in Delhi and Mumbai. We have
already floated tenders and will decide on the
issue by December. This is to increase the speed
of 3G network," he said.
On the CDMA expansion, Garg said that the
company was awaiting government guidelines
on the issue.
He also said that the telecom entity is taking
several steps to curtail losses, reduce interest
burden and shore up revenue.
"We are taking steps such as surrendering BWA
license. trying to trim losses, reduce interest
burden. We are also leasing out spare space
with us which is expected to fetch Rs 100 crore
annually," he said.
The company had recently approached the DoT
for surrendering Broadband Wireless Access
(BWA) Spectrum in Delhi and Mumbai and for
refund of Rs 4533.97 crore for one time upfront
BWA Spectrum charges paid.
Besides, MTNL is also exploring options to
commercially exploit its land bank, he said
adding it is assessing the prospects of both
developing the land on its own or with some
private players.
On the company's capex plans, the MTNL chief
said that around Rs 300-400 crore have been
set aside for investment in FY 13.
Earlier, MTNL and city-based B-school Welingkar
Institute announced a strategic alliance to
launch two new management courses in
telecom sector.