BSNL, MTNL to match winning bid

State-run telecom majors Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) are willing to pay over Rs 10,000 crore and Rs 6,524 crore, respectively, to the government for the 3G spectrum, after the auction came to an end today.

Both BSNL and MTNL were awarded 3G spectrum last year ahead of auction for private players. However, under the rules, both the PSUs have to match the winning bid of the 3G auction, which ended today.

“We have enough cash reserves to pay the 3G amount ...but if the government decides to give a waiver, then we will follow the government rule,” said BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Kuldeep Goel.

An MTNL official also said the company was willing to pay the amount as discovered by the 3G auction today. “We are a debt-free and cash-rich company. We will abide by the government rules,” an official said.

The value of a pan-India 3G slot stood at Rs 16,828 crore. MTNL would pay the price for Delhi and Mumbai circles at Rs 3316.93 crore and Rs 3247.07 crore, respectively. BSNL would pay over Rs 10,000 crore for rest of the circles.