Capacity constraint hindering BSNL's subscriber growth

NEW DELHI: State-run telecom operator BSNL has been registering low growth in addition to its subscriber base due to capacity constraint and impediments in equipment procurement, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Addition to BSNL's subscriber base has been comparable to that of private operators in the past, but there has been a decline in growth lately, Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shakeel Ahmad said in a written reply.

Due to capacity constraint, BSNL's growth has been comparatively lesser, he said, adding that the company currently occupies the third position among GSM operators.

BSNL has placed an Advance Purchase Order on the successful bidder. The equipment is expected to be available in about six months from the date of acceptance of purchase order, the Minister said.

BSNL has added over 2.2 lakh telephone users in the month of June and 3.4 lakh in July. The gross addition in telephone connections was at 8.96 lakh, against surrender or disconnections of 9.47 lakh.

In a separate query, the Minister said the government has set a target of nine million broadband connections by 2007, in which BSNL is expected to contribute in a significant manner.

The government has also planned to provide broadband connectivity to all secondary and higher secondary schools and public healthcare centres by 2008, he said.