Archive · 10 Jun 2025
States Hesitate to Adopt BSNL, MTNL Despite DoT Push
The Indian government wants states to use BSNL and MTNL for their internet and phone needs, to keep data secure and money within government-owned companies.
But, states are choosing companies like Jio and Airtel instead.
They prefer the better internet speeds, features, and customer support that private companies offer.
Even though the government has invested a lot of money in BSNL and MTNL, private companies are winning contracts for things like railway employee phones and building internet for important projects.
This is because private companies have better technology for today's needs.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) urged states to use BSNL and MTNL services.
States are hesitant due to perceived shortcomings in service and quality.
A similar mandate in 2019 was largely ignored by government entities.
The government has invested ₹3.22 lakh crore in BSNL and MTNL since 2019.
Private telecom operators like Jio and Airtel are preferred for superior services.
- Who
- State departments, BSNL, MTNL, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, DoT, and Indian Railways.
- What
- States hesitating to adopt BSNL and MTNL services despite the DoT's push for their usage.
- When
- The DoT directive and the preference for private providers are ongoing.
- Where
- India (specifically referencing states and the Indian Railways)
- Why
- State departments prefer private providers for superior service, advanced features and better support, despite the DoT's push for BSNL and MTNL.
BSNL/MTNL
Private Telecom Providers
Service Quality and Support
BSNL/MTNL
N/A
Private Telecom Providers
Offer superior connectivity, advanced features, and better backend support.
Infrastructure Solutions
BSNL/MTNL
N/A
Private Telecom Providers
Provide advanced and specialized solutions, including IoT devices and fiber optic infrastructure.
- DoT Directive
- Urged states to use BSNL/MTNL for telecom services
- Government Investment in BSNL/MTNL (since 2019)
- ₹3.22 lakh crore
- Indian Railways Mobile Connections (2018)
- Awarded to Bharti Airtel
- Indian Railways CUG Scheme (2023)
- Won by Reliance Jio and Airtel
- Reliance Jio SIMs (Indian Railways)
- 7.28 lakh for ₹126 crore
- Airtel SIMs (Indian Railways)
- 4.85 lakh for ₹84 crore