Privatisation of BSNL and relief to Vi necessary to avoid duopoly in telecom sector, says CUTS International

According to CUTS International, to avoid the state of a duopoly in the telecom industry and to ensure consumer welfare, government must provide relief to Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) and privatise Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

Further, it added that, if not done so, consumers will suffer from lack of competition.

In case a telecom operator exits the market, the telecom sector would, in theory, become a duopoly. Although BSNL would the third-largest telecom player in the market its subscribers have been declining, CUTS added.