Don't make BSNL-MTNL mandatory for government offices, staff: COAI

The Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) - representing the mobile service providers - has asked the Department of Telecom (DoT) to not make telephone connections by state-run telecom service providers BSNL and MTNL mandatory for government employees and enterprises as it would be "anti-competitive".

In a letter, written last week, COAI said: "We once again reiterate that any such move would be arbitrary, incorrect and unjustified and would be anti-competitive and against all principles of level playing field. It would be violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India and against various judgments of the TDSAT where BSNL/MTNL have been directed to be treated equally with the other private operators."

The letter was sent to DoT secretary M.F. Farooqui on Jan 10, 2014.

In order to revive the financial health of these two state-run telecom service providers, the government had proposed that public sector undertakings, union ministries and autonomous bodies should give preference to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

The COAI had earlier written to DoT in November also expressing concern over the same matter.