Can BBNL-BSNL merger be a game-changer for rural broadband connectivity?

The jury is out on whether the merger of two state-owned telecom companies can help step up rural broadband connectivity

The recent announcement that Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL) -- which is implementing the government’s BharatNet project -- would be merged with state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) came as a surprise to industry watchers. The apparent reason for the proposed merger is BBNL’s failure to meet India’s rural broadband target. Some 10 years after BBNL was set up with the mission of empowering the hinterland with internet connectivity to enable online healthcare and education, the government is making amends by combining the two entities.    

The question is: How will the merger help step up rural broadband numbers and in