BSNL seems to have identified immediate avenue for revenue generation having difficulty in generating revenues from conventional telecom services. Leveraging from its vast infrastructure assets, the PSU today clicked deal with private mobile service provider, Aircel for a passive infrastructure deal.

The deal provides Aircel access to 45,000 towers of BSNL for 21 circles except for Mumbai and Delhi where BSNL is not present. The figure far outnumbers Aircel’s current figures of 32,000 towers.

“This is a historic moment for the company. Aircel will now have access to strategically located sites across BSNL’s 21 circles (excluding Mumbai and Delhi). Leveraging BSNL’s passive infrastructure will help Aircel meet its aggressive network roll out plans in addition to reducing operational cost,” Aircel Chief Operating Officer Gurdeep Singh said.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Kuldeep Goyal said, “We are happy to partner with Aircel. BSNL has a strong nationwide coverage and offers the best value proposition in the Indian telecom market. Our objective is to provide quality and reliable service and thereby increase our partner's confidence”.

Aircel expects to gain coverage to more areas post this deal and thereby increase its addressable market. It will also gain from time reduced for go-to-market.

For BSNL the deal means additional revenues. Just a day earlier it had inked similar deal with Tata Teleservices.