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BSNL plans big for SAARC region
Wednesday, 01 October 2003, 19:30 IST
NEW DELHI: Indian telecom major Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has big plans to provide better connectivity in the SAARC region and also gain a foothold in the Middle East and Africa.
"We have a signed a memorandum of understanding for providing a direct link to Sri Lanka. By November end or December, our link will be established," Prithipal Singh, BSNL chairman and managing director, told IANS.
"We are keen on similar direct links with other countries in the SAARC region like Nepal and Pakistan. We have some old limited links with Pakistan and are keen to upgrade it," said Singh.
He is planning to raise the issue at the next SAARC communications ministers meet that was to be held last month in Pakistan but was postponed to October. The venue and date are yet to be finalised.
"We plan to put the issue of upgrading links with Pakistan and other SAARC countries on the agenda of the next meet," said Singh.
Equipped with the largest basic services network with 40 million landline customers, state-owned BSNL is also a major player in cellular services, having grabbed the second slot.
Besides its services in cities, BSNL has a large network in rural and remote areas, an expertise several countries are keenly seeking.
Three years after becoming a corporate body, BSNL is now looking at expanding its customer base with new services and add-ons. In terms of revenue, the company is looking at increasing its profitability to 
25 billion for the current fiscal year from 15 billion in 2002-03.
In the years ahead, Singh is hopeful of overseas operations contributing to the growth chart.
"Our plans to enter Nepal and Kenya for setting up and providing telecom services are quite strong. We had an offer from Iraq also but have deferred the plan because of the present uncertain conditions there," said Singh.
The company is now scouting in other Middle East and African countries to enter as a second or third service provider.
"We are looking keenly at opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, besides Africa. The presence of a large Indian population in the Middle East, in particular, should be to our advantage, in addition to the fact that people there are familiar with our expertise in the telecom sector," said Singh.
While plans for overseas foray are being finalised, Singh said efforts are under way to enhance international services, including audio and videoconferencing facilities.
Source: IANS
25 billion for the current fiscal year from 15 billion in 2002-03.
In the years ahead, Singh is hopeful of overseas operations contributing to the growth chart.
"Our plans to enter Nepal and Kenya for setting up and providing telecom services are quite strong. We had an offer from Iraq also but have deferred the plan because of the present uncertain conditions there," said Singh.
The company is now scouting in other Middle East and African countries to enter as a second or third service provider.
"We are looking keenly at opportunities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, besides Africa. The presence of a large Indian population in the Middle East, in particular, should be to our advantage, in addition to the fact that people there are familiar with our expertise in the telecom sector," said Singh.
While plans for overseas foray are being finalised, Singh said efforts are under way to enhance international services, including audio and videoconferencing facilities.
Source: IANS
