MTNL to invest Rs 1,725-cr in FY'10

Aiming to expand its GSM network, state-owned MTNL on Friday said that it has earmarked Rs 1,725 crore capital expenditure plan for the current fiscal. "In year 2009-10, MTNL will focus on expansion of its GSM network with induction of 3G services. Our capex plan for FY'10 is Rs 1,725 crore," MTNL Chairman and Managing Director R S P Sinha told reporters launching 3G mobiel service in the city. Sinha said that the company would also be aggressive in its broadband roll-out targetting to continue to be a leader in the market. MTNL launched its GSM mobile service in 2002. Its number of GSM connections has touched 3.44 million as on June 30, 2008. MTNL's broadband service under brandname Triband has more than six lakhs customers. It is providing IPTV services on its broadband line where subscriber can view more than 170 channels and other contnet on video-on-demand. The company also offers VoIP service over Triband where customers can make international calls in over 100 countries ar Re 1 per minute. To a question on the possible demerger of the tower business, Sinha said, "We are working on the issue. We will take it to the Board". He, however, did not disclose any further details on the issue.