MTNL looking at asset monetisation for revenue boost: Sinha

The state-owned MTNL incurred a loss of Rs 2,005.7 crore in 2015-16 and is exploring the option of monetisation of its assets that may improve its revenue, the Lok Sabha was informed today.
"MTNL is exploring the monetisation of its assets which may contribute to its revenue," Communications Minister Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.
The telecom corporation is exploring managed services model with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) for its mobile network. MTNL's losses narrowed to Rs 2,005.74 crore in 2015-16, from Rs 2,893.39 crore in 2014-15.
In 2013-14, the company made a profit of Rs 7,825.13 crore, and that was on account of payment of pension and a writeback of amortisation of broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum amounting to Rs 11,620.9 crore.

Elaborating on the reasons for the corporation's losses since 2009-10, Sinha said MTNL ran up losses in 2009-10 on account of amortisation of 3G/BWA spectrum charges, second wage revision leading to higher payment of wages to employees and provision for pensioner benefits as per valuation based on revised pay scales for retirement benefits to employees.
"3G/BWA spectrum was purchased for Rs 11,097.97 crore. MTNL arranged this amount through loans from banks etc to the tune of Rs 7,563.97 crore. The payment of one-time spectrum charges from borrowing and cascading effect of wage revision has resulted in considerable interest outgo for MTNL from 2010-11 onwards," it said.