Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd has made a blueprint to generate Rs 3,000 crore of additional revenue from new business areas. This includes leasing out its land bank for commercial development, hiving off tower assets, connecting 1.5 million schools with broadband and setting up wi-fi hotspots across the country.
The struggling telecom PSU is embarking on eight projects to get back in the game. BSNL has a land bank of 4,400 hectares which it plans to develop commercially. The company has already started pilot project in 10 locations. The PSU hopes to get Rs 250 crore from rental income every year.
BSNL is also planning to hive off its tower assets in order to lease out space to private players. The company is hoping to earn Rs 1,600 crore over a five-year period, according to a presentation made by the telecom major to the Telecom Ministry.
The company is also embarking on another project to set up manufacturing facilities for telecom equipment in partnership with established technology firms. The company is aiming to earn Rs 500 crore once it finalises the partnership deals.
Offering broadband connectivity to schools across the country is another major project being planned. Under this project 1.5 million schools will be connected. BSNL plans to charge Rs 5,000 per annum for one connection offering 512 kbps speeds.
> Thomas.thomas@thehindu.co.in
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