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News >> Technology >>
Decision on BSNL, MTNL merger after March
By agencies
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Tuesday, 08 February 2005, 20:30 IST
MUMBAI: The decision on merging the two state owned telecom giants BSNL and MTNL will be taken up in March after examining recommendations from merchant bankers, IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran today said.
The consultants will submit their suggestions for the merger of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) with Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) by the end of next month, Maran told reporters on the sidelines of Nasscom 2005 India leadership forum.
The merger of the two-telecom company will create the largest telecom company with combined turnover of $8.03 billion.
Maran also said the government was looking into amending the Information Technology Act of 2000 to make the provisions more industry friendly.
"We need to do this to keep up with the rapidly evolving IT and communications sectors, which are in a state of constant flux, (and to be) in line with global trends and developments," he said.
"In order to ensure that the government remains a facilitator and catalyst in the growth of the Indian IT and ITES industries, we have to ensure that our policy framework mirrors the dynamism of the sector.
"As we move ahead, it will be the attempt of this government to revisit various provisions of the act and remove unnecessary constraints."