In order to keep pace with private telecom operators, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) plans to invest a whopping $10 billion (Rs 42,000 crore) over the next three years in network expansion.

BSNL revenues dipped six per cent to $7.6 billion (Rs 32,500 crore) in 2007-08, from $8.1 billion (Rs 34,600 crore) in 2006-07, and its net profit is down to $68 million (Rs 292 crore), reports Times of India.

Even though the company remains the largest service provider in national long distance, and the fourth largest in international calls, its NLD revenues have declined a massive 40 per cent.

The operator has plans to make up for this revenue loss. Kuldeep Goyal, chairman and managing director of  BSNL, said: 'We already plan for our mobile expansion: 25 million lines have been laid down all over the country and the capacity will grow further in August.'

BSNL has announced tenders for another 93 million lines, and will be adding two million lines in wireless local loop.

The operator also has ambitious plans to increase revenues with an increased penetration in broadband services, announcing recently that it planned to bring Wimax services in rural Bengal.

BSNL wants to control more than 50 per cent share of the broadband market, giving it a capacity of four million lines. X

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