State-run telecom firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has an outstanding debt of Rs 7,667 crore, as on January 31. On the other hand, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) has an outstanding debt of Rs 13,530 crore, as of end-February, Parliament was informed on Wednesday.
“BSNL’s debt is mainly due to its capital expenditure requirement. This requirement started in June 2010 after the payment of BWA and 3G spectrum charges to the tune of Rs 18,500 crore to the government,” Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.