BSNL sets up separate biz unit for overseas foray

Moving aggressively on its overseas expansion plans, state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has set up a separate international business division to explore telecom opportunities abroad.

“We have created an international business unit recently which will look at possibilities — be it acquisition of companies and bidding for licences — abroad. MK Jain, GM (international business) is heading it (the unit),” a senior BSNL official said.

BSNL Chairman Kuldeep Goyal had earlier said the company would look at valuable buy-outs based on due diligence of the target company.

The PSU, he said, had already received an in-principle board approval to enter the global market and bidding for Tunisia is one such step.

The North African country is set to issue new licences for fixed line and basic mobile services. The licences, initially for 15 years, include national and international long-distance services. BSNL is a late entrant here but is trying to catch up with Indian telecom operators, who are looking at Africa for expansion.