DoT requests the government to finance the one-time licence fee levied on BSNL and MTNL

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has approached the cabinet to support the one-time licence fee of Rs 120 billion imposed on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), say news reports.

DoT has stated that both players are unable to pay this fee and has also sought the government’s approval for partly refunding the amount paid by both for 4G spectrum.

BSNL has reportedly surrendered 4G spectrum in six regions and is entitled to a refund of Rs 67.25 billion while MTNL is entitled to a refund of Rs 45.34 billion. In case the cabinet approves both these proposals, the government will have to bear a total cost of Rs 232 billion.