'No unbundling of fixed line networks'

The Govt said there will be no unbundling of BSNL and MTNL's fixed line networks for laying of broadband lines by private operators.

The government said on Wednesday that there will be no unbundling of BSNL and MTNL's fixed line networks for laying of broadband lines by private operators.

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"Wireless is the way to go and worldwide we have seen unbundling of the local loop has not been successful. So I have stated time and again that there is no need of unbundling," IT and Communications Minister Dayanidhi Maran told reporters on the sidelines of a Nasscom seminar.

He said out of the 47 million fixed lines, most are in urban areas where wireless is the medium for broadband.

There has been consistent demand from private operators and other investment bodies to allow private operators to use BSNL and MTNL's fixed line networks to push up broadband penetration in the country.