MTNL scouts for NLD carrier

New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) Mahangar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) will invite bids from National Long Distance (NLD) players after it decided to snap out of the Rs 900-crore domestic long distance operations tie-up with carrier Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

MTNL is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from all NLD players for carrying its NLD traffic, including Bharti, Reliance and VSNL. The tender is expected to be floated next week, sources said.

The telecom operator in Delhi and Mumbai, MTNL, hopes to save at least Rs 500 crore per annum through these fresh bids.

More than 90 per cent of the calls that MTNL generates are terminated in cities and towns where other NLD players have networks. MTNL does not have it own NLD network but BSNL has a countrywide presence which includes remote rural areas, edge over other players in the circuit.

UNI RT RA GC1744