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State-owned telecom major MTNL on Tuesday said it has raised Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) from various banks that will be used to repay debts and meet operational expenses.
"Out of the total loan amount of Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion), we have raised Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) from various banks and for the rest of the amount, we are still in talks with the them (banks)," MTNL Chairman and Managing Director Kuldip Singh said on the sidelines of an event.
In July, MTNL had invited expression of interest (EoI) from banks for providing long-term loans of Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion) with a floating interest rate for a tenure of seven years. It wanted to raise the funds to repay its debts and meet operational expenses.
The loan might be used to repay the loan MTNL had taken for buying 3G and BWA spectrum last year.
The company is already in the process to restructure its Rs 7,000 crore (Rs 70 billion) loan taken for buying 3G and BWA spectrum last year. The PSU plans to convert Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion) loan into a long-term debt.
The company had already restructured Rs 3,500 crore (Rs 35 billion) of debt, by repaying Rs 500 crore (Rs 5 billion) and tying up with two state-run banks for the remaining Rs 3,000 crore (Rs 30 billion).
Delhi and Mumbai were the most expensive circles for 3G, with the bid for Delhi costing Rs 3,316.93 crore (Rs 33.16 billion) and Mumbai Rs 3,247.07 crore (Rs 32.47 billion), against the reserve price of Rs 320 crore (Rs 3.2 billion) each for both the metros.
Similarly for BWA, Delhi and Mumbai saw the highest bids at Rs 2,241.02 crore (Rs 22.41 billion) and 2,292.95 crore (Rs 22.92 billion), respectively. MTNL has already launched 3G mobile services.
Besides in an another event, MTNL today joined hands with Shemaroo Entertainment to launch 2G and 3G value added services across Delhi and Mumbai.
MTNL users will now be able to enjoy Live Prayers and will also now be able to watch their favourite movie on Movie Talkies, the company said.