BSNL signs agreements with Facebook, Mobikwik; looks set to take on private telcos

In what could be a major step to fight off the competition from private data providers, the state-owned telecom operator BSNL on Wednesday inked agreements with social media website Facebook and mobile wallet MobiKwik.

The pacts were signed to commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Facebook, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will provide connectivity for the social network's `Express Wi-Fi Program'.

Facebook partners with telecom operators and offers internet facility via public hotspots to users in rural parts of the country. 

The company has signed another MoU with digital payments firm Mobikwik to co-create a BSNL mobile wallet and facilitate payment for its products and services.

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The wallet will be available exclusively to BSNL customers in India, BSNL said in a statement. Additionally, MobiKwik will also enable "digital sale" of BSNL SIM cards through its app and website.

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The BSNL statement further said that the third MoU with Disney India will provide premium online gaming services to mobile customers of the telecom operator.

The state-run operator which is facing stiff competition from private telcos like Airtel and Reliance Jio, also launched a new solution in partnership with Data Infosys to offer bulk email services to government and private companies.

With PTI inputs