BSNL-MTNL merger plan put on hold

Mumbai: The government has decided to put the proposal for merger of state-owned telecom firms Bhrat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) on hold for some time, Shakeel Ahmad, minister of state for IT and communication, told the Rajya Sabha.

He said following a few complexities involved in the issue, a consortium of consultants led by ICICI Securities has suggested some options for restructuring of MTNL and BSNL.

"Since the enabling conditions for the suggested options are not appropriate enough to lead to a successful merger and considering the complexity of issues involved, the restructuring of BSNL and MTNL has been put on hold for the time being," he added.