BSNL Wants 3G Money Back

BSNL (& MTNL) haven't been able to do much with early allotment of the 3G spectrum by government. BSNL has asked DoT for a full refund of INR. 10,186.58 crore which it paid to the government for pan-India 3G spectrum excluding Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL is also likely to follow.

BSNL's MD, Kuldeep Goyal points out that all the other operators are paying much less in absolute terms than BSNL for 3G spectrum. Excluding Delhi and Mumbai, Bharti is paying Rs 5,731 crore, Vodafone Rs 5,054 crore, Aircel Rs 6,499 crore, Reliance 2,021 crore, Tata Rs 5,864 crore and Idea Rs 5,769 crore.

According to experts, BSNL's case would be strengthened if it showed the inclination to return spectrum in circles where it does not wish to pursue 3G, which could then be offered to private operators. This will ensure that the government minimizes its revenue loss and also allows BSNL its choice of circles consistent with the bidding pattern of private operators - reports #-Link-Snipped-#.