Govt considers handing over MTNL operations to BSNL; merger unlikely

The government is considering the option of handing over operations of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) to BSNL through an agreement, instead of pursuing a merger route, a source privy to the development said.

A final call on this is likely to be taken in a month’s time.

The source said the option of handing over debt-laden MTNL’s operations to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) through an agreement is being looked into. The source said that given MTNL’s high debt, a merger with BSNL was not a favourable option.