The DOT has recommended to the Cabinet to exempt BSNL and MTNL from paying the one time charges for the spectrum allotted to these PSUs. Both of them together have to pay about Rs. 12,000 crore while the privae companies have to pay very less. This is because the one time charge is being levied for the balance period of licence,w.e.f.2012. In the case of private companies, they were given licence is 1995-96 and hence their licence period will be over by 2015-16 and hence they are to pay for 3-4 years only. In the case of MTNL and BSNL, the licences were given only after 2000 and hence the balance period is 8-10 years and hence the increase.
The Joint Forum of BSNL and MTNL Unions/Associations have been continuously demanding that BSNL and MTNL should be exempted from paying the one time charges since they do not have the money to pay being in loss and also that they are the engines of the government to implement its policies including universal service. Com. V.A.N.Namboodiri, Convener, Joint Forum along with other leaders have already met Addl. Secretary, DOT, Member (Finance ), Member (Services), Joint Secretary(T) DOT and other senior officers on this cause. It is one of the demands raised in the charter by the JF in the last agitation.
We are happy that the DOT has now recommended for exempting BSNL and MTNL from this payment. DOT and BSNL Management has to persue it strongly with the government for a favourable decision. Joint Forum will also pursue the demand strongly. We have to ensure that BSNL and MTNL is exempted.

NEW DELHI: The telecom department (DoT) wants the central government to bear the cost of the one-time spectrum fee for BSNL and MTNL. Seeking Cabinet approval, the department has said that these loss-making and debt-stricken state-owned telcos are not in a position to shell out nearly Rs 12,000 crore toward this charge