BSNL is planning to submit a proposal to DoT to provide broadband connections to 20,000 villages that are presently connected by optic fibre. The project is estimated to cost about Rs 4 billion. Since it is not commercially viable, the PSU has sought government support. Separately, the company has earmarked a Rs 15 billion investment to expand its broadband services to 898 additional cities over the next two years. It intends to rope in UTStarcom, Siemens and ZTE as core equipment vendors for the rollout. ITI and Alcatel are likely to handle equipment supplies for 30 per cent of BSNL’s broadband tender valuation.
