India's largest telecommunications carrier, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) is considering diluting up to 10% of its equity stake via IPO, sources stated. The public issue is likely to help PSU to raise Rs 15,000-20,000 crore (Rs 150-200 billion).

Telecom Minister, A Raja said, "We will look into it... The Department of Telecom (DoT) will discuss the issue and take a decision."

S D Saxena, Director (finance), BSNL said, “The IPO exercise is likely to begin in 2-3 months and will be completed within a year.”

Going by the valuation of the telecom giant, 10 % dilution may give the PSU up to Rs 20,000 crore, he added.

For the year 2006-2007 the revenue of the company stood at Rs 375.5 billion and net profit stood at Rs 78.05 billion.

The State-owned telecom firm is valued at over USD 100 billion. The firm has an immediate investment plan of Rs 15,000 crore to expand its GSM mobile network across the nation.