NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) would take a decision on the much-awaited commercial launch of the fourth-generation or 4G services by state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a senior official said, following the mounting pressure from employee groups alleging ‘roadblock’ by the government.
“We can’t commit any timeline for the 4G launch. It is for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to take a final call in this matter,” a senior BSNL official who does not wish to be named for the story told ETTelecom.
The official, however, added that the state-owned telecom operator has duly submitted its response to the DoT which is further set to table suggestions to the empowered technology group (ETG), headed by principal scientific advisor Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan.
BSNL is also expecting a fair hearing from the empowered group that was set up to chalk out technology and equipment procurement roadmap for the government with a focus on domestic value addition and innovation, and comprised of inter-ministerial top officials.
Tuesday, as many as eight telco groups representing employees and officials have threatened to go on nationwide strike on November 26 due to lack of seriousness from the government for BSNL’s revival which according to them appeared to be a ‘distant’ dream.
—Agencies

KR Desk