UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C.  20549




FORM 20-F




(Mark One)




 ̈
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


OR




x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012


OR




 ̈
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


OR




 ̈
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934




Date of event requiring this shell company report _____________________




For the transition period from ______ to _____




Commission file number 333-13944




Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited


(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)




N/A

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
The Republic of India

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)





12th Floor, Jeevan Bharati Building, Tower-1


124 Connaught Circus


New Delhi 110001


India


(Address of principal executive offices)




Smt Anita Soni, Director Finance, 91-11-2332-1095, dirfinco@bol.net.in


Jeevan Bharati Building, Tower-I, 124 Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001, India


(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contract Person)




Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:




Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registeredAmerican Depositary Shares, each representing two equity shares.

Equity Shares (Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares)

New York Stock Exchange





Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.




None




Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.




None




Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 630,000,000 Equity Shares




Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES  o     NO  ý




If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  YES  o   NO ý




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES  ý     NO  o




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  YES  ý     NO    o




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):




Large accelerated filer

 ̈
Accelerated filer

ý
Non-accelerated filer

 ̈





Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:




U.S. GAAP
ý
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued

by the International Accounting Standards Board
 ̈
Other
 ̈








If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:




Item 17 o      Item 18 o




If this report is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)  YES    o     NO    ý









TABLE OF CONTENTS


Page





CURRENCY OF PRESENTATION AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
iiiSPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
iiiINTRODUCTION
ivPART I


1Item 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
1Item 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
1Item 3.
KEY INFORMATION
1A.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
1Selected Financial And Operating Data
1Exchange Rates
3B.
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
4C.
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
4D.
RISK FACTORS
4Item 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
16A.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
16B.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
28Legal Proceedings
43C.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
47D.
PROPERTY, PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT
48Telecommunications Regulation In India
52Item 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
56Item 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
57A.
OPERATING RESULTS
57B.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
71C.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
72D.
TREND INFORMATION
72E.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
72F.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
72G.
SAFE HARBOR
73Item 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
73A.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
73B.
COMPENSATION
77C.
BOARD PRACTICES
78D.
EMPLOYEES
78E.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
81Item 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
81A.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
81B.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
82C.
INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
84Item 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
84A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
84B.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
85Item 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING
85A.
OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS
85Market Price Information
85
  i
  B.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
86C.
MARKETS
87The Indian Securities Market
87D.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS
93E.
DILUTION
93F.
EXPENSES OF THE ISSUE
93Item 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
93A.
SHARE CAPITAL
93B.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
93C.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
99D.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS
100Indian Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations
100E.
TAXATION
103F.
DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS
108G.
STATEMENT BY EXPERTS
108H.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
108I.
SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
109Item 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
109Item 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
110A.
DEBT SECURITIES
110B.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
110C.
OTHER SECURITIES
110D.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
110PART II


112Item 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES.
112Item 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OFPROCEEDS
112Item 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
112Item 16.
[RESERVED]
118Item 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
118Item 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
118Item 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
118Item 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
119Item 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATEDPURCHASERS
119Item 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
119Item 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
119Item 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
121PART III


122Item 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
122Item 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
122Item 19.
EXHIBITS
122SIGNATURES
123EXHIBIT INDEX
124INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
125


ii
 Table of Contents


CURRENCY OF PRESENTATION AND CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS.




In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, references to "U.S." or "United States" are to the United States of America, its territories and its possessions. References to "India" are to the Republic of India. References to "$" or "dollars" or "U.S. dollars" are to the legal currency of the United States and references to "" or "Rupees"or “Rs.” or "Indian rupees" are to the legal currency of India.The financial information in this report has been prepared in accordance with US GAAP with respect to our consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flow for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and our balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and 2012.  Our fiscal year ends on March 31 of each year, so all references to a particular fiscal year are to the year ended March 31 of that year.  The consolidated financial statements, including the notes to those financial statements, are set forth at the end of this report.




For purposes of this report, “we,” “us,” “our,”  “MTNL” or the “Company” refers to Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited.




Although we have translated in this report certain Indian rupee amounts into U.S. dollars for convenience, this does not mean that the rupee amounts referred could have been, or could be, converted into dollars at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all.  All translations from Indian rupees to U.S.dollars with respect to financial data as of March 31, 2012 are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in Indian rupees onsuch date.The Federal Reserve Bank of New York certifies this rate for customs purposes on each date the rate is given.  The noon buying rate on March 31, 2012 was50.89 per U.S.$1.00.Any discrepancy in any table between totals and sums of the amounts listed may be due to rounding.For more information regarding rates of exchange between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar, see Item 3. “Key Information-Selected Financial Information-Exchange Rates” in this report.





Information contained in our website, www.mtnl.net.in, is not a part of this annual report, and no portion of such information is incorporated herein.




SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS




This report contains “forward-looking statements”, as defined in Section 27A of the U.S.  Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about our Company, our industry, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, and certain other matters.  The forward-looking statements are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties.  Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “will likely result,” “believe,” “expect,” “will continue,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “seek to,” “future,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “should,” and similar expressions or variations of these expressions.  We caution you that reliance on any forward-looking statement involves risks and uncertainties, and that although we believe that the assumptions on which our forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and, as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions could be incorrect.  Actual events or results may differ materially.  The risks and uncertainties in this regard include, but are not limited to, those identified in the risk factors discussed elsewhere in this report.  See Item 3D. “Key Information—Risk Factors” and Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in this report.  In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not conclude that we will necessarily achieve any plans and objectives or projected financial results referred to in any of the forward-looking statements.  Other than required by law, we do not undertake to release the results of any revisions of these forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or circumstances. Readers should carefully review the information in this report and in filings we may make in the future with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.




iii
 Table of Contents




INTRODUCTION




Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited was established by the government of India in 1986 to provide fixed-line and other basic telecommunications services in Delhi and Mumbai.  Delhi and Mumbai are two of the largest, most densely populated and wealthiest metropolitan areas in India.  Since then we have taken actions to become a leading telecommunications company in India.  As of March 31, 2012, our fixed-line telecommunications networks in Delhi and Mumbai had an aggregate of approximately 3.46 million fixed lines in service.  In February 2001, we launched our cellular services using global system for mobile communications or GSM technology in Delhi and Mumbai and, as of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 5.59 million subscribers.  We launched CDMA-based services in 1997 based on limited mobility, and as of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 247,000 limited mobile subscribers in Mumbai and Delhi.  CDMA is a digital wireless technology that increases network capacity by allowing more than one user to simultaneously occupy a single radio frequency band with reduced interference.  We launched broadband services in 2004 and as of March 31, 2012, we had approximately one million broadband subscribers in Mumbai and Delhi.  We began providing Internet service in both Delhi and Mumbai in February 1999 and had approximately 8.99 million Internet access subscribers as of March 31, 2012. In December 2008, we were the first operator to inaugurate the 3G services in India, with commercial launch in February 2009 in Delhi and in May 2009 in Mumbai.  We also entered into MoU with different enterprises in order to broaden our telecommunication network such as Delhi police, income tax department etc. We are also seeking to monetize some fixed assets by renting out our vacant buildings and land to third party entities. See Item 4. “Information on the Company” in this report.




The government of India owns approximately 56.25% of our equity shares and the Life Insurance Company of India owns approximately 18.81% of equity shares, with the balance of the shares publicly traded on the major stock exchanges in India and as American Depositary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange.  See Item 7A. “Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions-Major Shareholders” and Item 9C.“The Offer and Listing-Markets” in this report.




iv
 Table of Contents




PART I




Item 1.
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers




Not applicable.




Item 2.
Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable




Not applicable.




Item 3.
Key Information






3A.  Selected Financial Data




SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA




The following selected financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, and Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the other financial information included elsewhere in this report and our other reports filed with the SEC.




Our selected financial and operating data included in this report are presented in Indian rupees and are derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (US GAAP), along with notes thereto, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.




The selected statement of operations data and cash flow data for the three years ended March 31, 2012, and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2011and 2012 under US GAAP have been extracted or derived from our consolidated audited US GAAP financial statements which are included elsewhere in this report. The selected statement of operations data and cash flow data for the years ended March 31, 2008 and 2009, and the selected balance sheet data as of March 31, 2008, 2009 and 2010 under US GAAP are derived from our consolidated audited US GAAP financial statements not included in this report.  Our historical results do not necessarily indicate our results expected for any future period.




Consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2012 have been translated for convenience into U.S. dollars (although we have translated certain rupee amounts in this report into U.S. dollars for convenience, this does not mean that the rupee amounts referred to could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all).  All translations from Indian rupees to dollars with respect to financial data as of March 31, 2012 are based on the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on such date.  The noon buying rate on March 31, 2012 was Rs.50.89 per U.S.$1.00.




1
 Table of Contents




Under US GAAP





Statement of Income Data:

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,2008


2009 (Restated)


2010


2011


2012


2012(Rs. in millions except per share data)


Convenience translation into million of U.S.$ (Unaudited)Revenues (Rs.)


44,705



41,837



35,513



36,778



33,870



666Total Cost and expense


(47,027
)


(51,981
)


(79,983
)


(65,348
)


(67,808
)


(1,332
)Liability for post retirement medical benefits written back


-



-



-



-



-



-Operating Income


(2,323
)


(10,144
)


(44,471
)


(28,570
)


(33,938
)


(667
)Other Income/(expense), net


4,661



9,962



7,105



4,935



(7,745
)


(152
)Income before Income taxes


2,338



(182
)


(37,365
)


(23,635
)


(41,683
)


(819
)Income taxes


121



(1,241
)


11,806



(9,276
)


(3
)


(0
)Equity in (losses) of affiliates


(1
)


(8
)


5



15



16



0Net income (Loss) (Rs.)


2,458



(1,431
)


(25,554
)


(32,896
)


(41,670
)


(819
)Weighted average equity shares outstanding


630



630



630



630



630



12EPS - Basic & Diluted


3.90



(2.27
)


(40.56
)


(52.22
)


(66.14
)


(1
)Basic and diluted earnings per GDR/ADS

Rs.7.80


Rs.(4.54)


Rs.(81.12)



(110
)


(139
)


(3
)Dividends paid per equity share

Rs.4.68


Rs.1.17



-



-



-



-Dividends paid per equity share


$0.12



$0.02



-



-



-



-Dividends paid per GDR/ADS

Rs.9.37


Rs.2.34



-



-



-



-Dividends paid per GDR/ADS


$0.23



$0.05



-



-



-



-





Balance Sheet Data:

As at March 31,2008


2009 (Restated)


2010


2011


2012


2012(Rs. in millions except per share data)


Convenience translation into million of U.S. $ (Unaudited)Cash and Cash equivalents (Rs.)


1,346



1,419



1,056



1,276



908



18Investment in bank deposits


32,444



46,725



47,835



459



486



10Due from Related Parties


25,713



35,435



39,053



44,848



50,864



999Total Assets


193,547



343,732



313,707



245,049



239,609



4,708Due to Related Parties


8,118



122,301



124,861



19,837



23,140



455Long Term Debt


-



-



-



55,340



70,000



1,376Total Liabilities


105,160



257,512



253,040



217,277



253,507



4,981Total Shareholder Equity


88,387



86,220



60,667



27,772



(13,898
)


(273
)Capital Stock *


12,949



12,949



12,949



12,949



12,949



254




*Includes capital stock and additional paid-in capital




2
 Table of Contents




Cash Flow Data:

Fiscal Years Ended March 31,2008


2009 (Restated)


2010


2011


2012


2012(Rs. in millions except per share data)


Convenience translation into million of U.S.$ (Unaudited)Net Cash from Operating activities


27,640



130,849



13,158



(112,260
)


(14,506
)


(285
)Net Cash used in investing activities


(25,006
)


(130,037
)


(13,521
)


37,924



(7,786
)


(153
)Net Cash from financing activities


(2,948
)


(737
)


-



74,557



21,923



431




EXCHANGE RATES




Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee price of our equity shares on the Indian Stock Exchanges and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of our American Depository Shares, or ADSs, in the United States, and vice versa. Such fluctuations will also affect the U.S. dollar conversion by the depositary of any cash dividends paid in Indian rupees on our equity shares represented by the ADSs.




The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, information concerning the number of Indian rupees for which one U.S. dollar would be exchanged based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers of Indian rupees, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.




Fiscal Year Ended March 31,

At end of

period


Average

rate (1)


High


Low2008


40.02



40.13



43.05



39.482009


50.87



46.32



51.96



39.732010


44.95



47.18



50.48



44.942011


44.54



45.49



47.49



43.902012


53.01



46.86



53.71



44.002013 (through July 27, 2012)


55.39



54.32



57.13



50.64




(1)       The average rate is the average of the exchange rates on the last business day of each month during the period




The following table sets forth the high and low exchange rates for the previous six months and is based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York during the period for cable transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York:




Month

High


LowJanuary 2012


53.11



49.39February 2012


49.48



48.65March 2012


51.38



49.14April 2012


52.65



50.64May 2012


56.38



52.50June 2012


57.13



54.91July 2012 (through July 27)


56.22



54.30




On July 27, 2012, the noon buying rate was Rs.55.39= U.S.$1.00.




3
 Table of Contents




3B.  Capitalization and Indebtedness





Not applicable.






3C.  Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds





Not applicable.




3D.  Risk Factors





You should carefully consider all the information contained in this report and the following risk factors that affect us and our industry in evaluating us and our business.  The risks below are not the only ones we face.  Additional risks not currently known to us or that we presently deem immaterial may also affect our business.  This report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Should any of these risks or uncertainties occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could suffer and the market price of our equity shares or ADSs could decline.




Risks Relating to Our Business




We expect to continue to encounter increased competition in each of our markets.




The Indian government is rapidly liberalizing the telecommunications industry in India.  The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may license, at its discretion, multiple additional service providers in any service area, with respect to both basic telecommunications services and cellular services.  In November 2003, the DoT issued guidelines for Unified Access Licenses, which cover both basic and cellular services within a service area.  In the Indian context, “basic telecommunications services” or “basic services” include basic fixed-line access service and a number of other telecommunications services, other than long distance services, cellular service and Internet access.  Basic services also include CDMA-based fixed wireless and mobile services (without roaming) and broadband internet access (DSL).




The market for our basic services is limited to Mumbai and Delhi.  Tata Teleservices Limited, Reliance Communication Limited, Bharti Airtel Limited, Idea Cellular and Vodafone Essar are currently competing with us in those markets for basic services.  All of these companies already have significant telecommunications infrastructure in Delhi and Mumbai, including, with respect to Tata Teleservices and Reliance Infocomm, low-cost CDMA mobile and fixed wireless technology.  The teledensity (the number of telephone connections per capita) in Delhi and Mumbai has crossed more than 100%  at the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012  which indicates the restricted growth for the companies having  telecom operations in these cities. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations (MNP), 2009” which was implemented in January 2011 in our license areas and make migration between service providers easier, thus increasing competition between the service providers and adding pressure on service providers to retain customers. We are particularly vulnerable to losing market share if these or other operators aggressively target our largest subscribers.  Some of our largest customers have already migrated to other basic service operators. For more details please refer to Item 4B.“Business Overview – Mobile Number Portability” in this report.




4
 Table of Contents




Income from basic services are the main component of our revenue which was approximately 80% of total revenue. The Indian telecom industry is witnessing the migration of subscribers from basic services to mobile services where we hold a smaller share in the total market for mobile services.




We experience significant and growing competition in the market for GSM cellular and Internet services.  Many of these service providers enjoy significant penetration in these markets, have established brand names and have more experience operating a cellular network than we have.  Cellular operators also face competition from rapidly growing CDMA-based mobile services, which are priced considerably lower than GSM cellular services.




Amid stiff competition from private operators, in the year 2009, we shifted the billing pattern from per minute to per second basis. Morever, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI has made it mandatory for service providers to provide at least one plan in their postpaid and prepaid offerings with "per second" billing. To make this compulsory, on April 20, 2012,the TRAI has made amendments in the Telecommunication Tariff Order. After this amendment it has become mandatory for us to offer in each service area at least one tariff plan each for both postpaid and prepaid subscriber with a uniform pulse rate of 'one second'. This may significantly impact our revenues.







Increased competition has kept and is likely to continue to keep downward pressure on prices and has required and is likely to continue to require us to increase our capital investment to improve and expand our services and to keep current with technological changes. Further, the restriction on our ability to provide basic services outside Mumbai and Delhi inhibit us in competing with companies with a Pan-India presence. These developments, in turn, have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our financial results.  See Item 4B. “Business Overview -Competition.”




Our business is subject to substantial regulation by the Government.




The Indian government regulates our business through licensing of services and service areas, and through price tariffs on our services.  The license for fixed-line services is valid until March 31, 2013 and for cellular services is valid until October 2017.  The DoT retains the right to revoke our licenses after giving one month’s notice to us.  The DoT also retains the right, after giving notice to us, to modify the terms and conditions of our licenses at any time including the related tariffs and fees, and to permit additional licenses or bidding, if it believes it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interest of the general public or for the proper operation of the telecommunications sector.  A revocation of any license or a change in significant terms of any license, such as its duration, the amount of license fee payable, the range of services permitted and the scope of exclusivity could limit our ability to operate particular lines of our business or result in increased costs in the form of increased license fees or costs associated with applying for new licenses, or contesting limitations on our licenses and would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.




Reductions in telecommunications tariffs in India are expected to continue to have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.




Telecommunications tariffs in India have declined significantly in recent years.  The decline in tariffs and the phase out of Access Deficit Charges (ADCs), while resulting in a traffic volume growth spurt, has materially and adversely affected our revenues and net income.  Accordingly, our historical revenue is not indicative of future revenue based on comparable traffic volumes.  As the prices for our communications services decrease, then unless we are able to increase volume or offer additional services from which we can derive additional revenue or otherwise reduce our operating expenses, our operating results will decline and our business and financial results will suffer.




5
 Table of Contents




We have sustained recent financial losses and expect to continue to sustain losses in the near future.




We sustained net losses of Rs.41,670 million for the 2012 fiscal year and Rs.32,895 million for the 2011 fiscal year. These losses are attributable to large staff costs due to provision of actuarial valued based pension benefits to absorbed employees pending finalization of modalities of payment by the Government as assured in the 2002 fiscal year, and increases in the cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses in case of cellular services, amortization of 3G & BWA spectrum and interest cost from recent incurrence of indebtedness during those fiscal periods as well as increased employee benefits due to pay revisions.  See Item 5A. “Operating Results” in this report.




We do not plan to pay any dividend for fiscal year 2012




By reason of financial losses sustained for the 2012 fiscal year and continuing losses for the first quarter of the 2013 fiscal year, our Board has recommended that we do not pay any dividend for the 2012 fiscal year.  Although we did not pay any dividends for the prior three fiscal years, previously we had paid dividends at the rate of Rs.1 per equity share for the 2009 fiscal year and of Rs.4 per equity share for the three fiscal years prior thereto.  There is no assurance that we will resume payment of dividends on our equity shares in the near future.




We need to continue to increase the volume of traffic on our network to generate profits.




We must continue to increase the volume of Internet, data, voice and video transmissions on our network in order to realize the anticipated cash flow, operating efficiencies and cost benefits of our network.  If we do not maintain our relationships with current customers and develop new large-volume customers, we may not be able to substantially increase traffic on our network, which may adversely affect our ability to become profitable.  With increased competition from new licensees together with price reductions in many portions of our offering services, we also need to leverage our existing infrastructure to realize better utilization of network, operating efficiencies and cost benefits.  Further, certain costs, including costs related to repairs and maintenance, can be of a fixed nature and, in the absence of revenues shall continue to adversely impact our profitability. No assurance can be given that we will achieve the revenue increases and expense reductions to reach profitability in the future.




Regulations applicable to public sector enterprises in India may affect our ability to compete effectively.




As long as the Indian government’s shareholding in us equals or exceeds 51%, we are deemed to be an Indian government company subject to laws and regulations applicable to public sector enterprises in India.  These laws and regulations govern, among other things, personnel matters, procurement, budgeting and capital expenditures and the generation of funds through the issuance of securities.




Under our articles of association, the President of India, on behalf of the Indian government, may also issue directives with respect to the conduct of our business and affairs, and certain matters with respect to our business, including the appointment and remuneration of our Chairman-and-Managing Director and the declaration of dividends.  None of our shareholders, management or board of directors may take action in respect of any matter reserved for the President of India without his approval.  If the President of India does not allow us to make capital expenditures pursuant to our business plan, we may be unable to compete effectively or maintain profitability.  Government formalities, including requirements that many of our purchases be made through a competitive bidding process, often cause delays in our equipment and product procurement; these delays can place us at a disadvantage relative to private sector competitors.




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The Indian government, our controlling shareholder, also controls and considers the interests of the largest government-owned telecommunications company, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), resulting in significant related party transactions.  The Indian government has been evaluating the possibility of a restructuring involving BSNL and us.




The Indian government, through the DoT, controls both BSNL and us, holding 56.25% of our outstanding equity shares and 100% of BSNL’s equity shares.  The DoT appoints all of our directors.  The DoT has the power to determine the outcome of most actions requiring approval of our board of directors or shareholders, including proposed expansion of our basic and cellular services into new areas in which we may compete with BSNL, transactions with BSNL or the assertion of claims against BSNL.  When considering many of these matters, the DoT may also take into account the interests of BSNL, the largest government-owned telecommunications company.  Failure by the DoT to resolve conflicts involving BSNL and us in an equitable manner could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects.




We have significant amounts due from related parties and our inability to collect them or change the terms of our arrangements with our related parties could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.  See Notes 4 and 20 to our consolidated financial statements and Item 7B. “Related Party Transactions” and Item 4B. “Business Overview - Legal Proceedings” in this report.




Since we and BSNL have been incurring heavy losses for past couple of years,  the DoT is attempting to synergize our operations  with BSNL without a merger. The DoT has set up a committee under the chairmanship of DoT Secretary R. Chandraskehar to oversee the required policy decisions and institutional framework for an alliance. However, the merger with BSNL, which was long overdue by DoT,  has been put on hold now by DoT because of various issues.The synergy would allow us to cut costs. It would also allow subscribers of both the companies to roam freely on each other's network, with the exception of interconnect charges.  DoT is also exploring the synergy among other firms including ITI, CDOT and TCIL with BSNL and MTNL.  We cannot assess the likelihood of such a transaction, or the impact of such a transaction on our business or the value of our shares or ADSs.




We do not have title to property, and we cannot sell our properties without payment of stamp duties and registering properties in our name.




In 1987, the assets and properties of the DoT located in Delhi and Mumbai were transferred to us by an order of the government of India (the Government) and a deed of sale was executed by the Government in our favor representing an irrevocable transfer.  Indian law generally requires that to perfect the transfer or lease of real property, the transfer should be evidenced by a formal, duly stamped deed of transfer and registered with the Central Land Registrar within a specified period after the execution of the deed of transfer or lease. A formal transfer deed for real property of the DoT, transferred by the Government to us has been executed but has not been registered with the appropriate municipal authorities.  The formal transfer deed and physical delivery of possession of the DoT’s non-real estate assets has resulted in the transfer of such non-real estate assets of the DoT to us in Delhi and Mumbai.  See Item 4D. “Property, Plants and Equipment-Properties” in this report.




Indian law also requires payment of stamp duty (at rates which vary among states) on instruments, which effect transfer of title to real estate or in respect of leases of real estate.  We may be liable for stamp duty, if any, upon registration (other than with respect to the DoT properties acquired from the Government as of March 30, 1987). All liabilities for stamp duties in respect of the DoT properties acquired by us from the Government as of March 30, 1987 are to be borne by the Government.  We have been advised by our counsel that, although we have valid possession (including the risks and rewards of ownership) and title to all of our property, we need to have certain documents relating to transfer or lease of real property duly registered and stamped to enable us to perfect and thereby acquire marketable title to real property in our possession.  Accordingly, we cannot sell our properties without payment of stamp duties and registering the properties in our name.  In preparing these consolidated financial statements, we have capitalized provision for stamp duty based on its best estimate amounting to Rs.63 million and Rs.89 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. We do not intend to sell any of these properties. In terms of our Articles of Association, we must obtain prior approval from the President of India in respect of any sale or disposal of any land or building costing more than Rs.1 million.




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Compliance with new and changing corporate governance and public disclosure requirements adds uncertainty to our compliance policies and increases our costs of compliance.  In certain areas management concluded that there were material weaknesses in our internal controls.




We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, and our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards in this regard have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.  If we fail to comply with new or changed laws or regulations and standards differ, our business and reputation may be harmed.




As we are incorporated in India, U.S. investors should be aware that there are differences in the governance standards and shareholder rights for a company incorporated in the United States and those applicable to a foreign issuer such as us.  Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to accounting, corporate governance and public disclosure, including Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Dodd-Frank Act), Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules or regulations, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) rules, and Indian stock market listing regulations create uncertainty for companies like ours. These new or changed laws, regulations and standards may lack specificity and are subject to varying interpretations. Their application in practice may evolve over time, as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs of compliance as a result of ongoing revisions to such corporate governance standards.  See Item 16G. “Corporate Governance” in this report.




In particular, our efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related regulations regarding our required assessment of our internal controls over financial reporting and our external auditors’ audit of that assessment requires the commitment of significant financial and managerial resources and external auditor’s independent assessment of the internal controls over financial reporting. We consistently assess the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting, remediate any control deficiencies that may be identified, and validate through testing that our controls are functioning as documented. The Dodd-Frank Act has imposed additional corporate governance standards on companies, like us, whose securities are listed in the United States under the rules of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange.




It is also possible that laws in India may be made more stringent with respect to standards of accounting, auditing, public disclosure and corporate governance. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure, and our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards in this regard have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.




As of March 31, 2012, management had concluded that our internal controls over periodic reporting were not effective by reason of certain material weaknesses, particularly as to reconciliation of subscriber deposits, accounting for related party transactions, Broadband operations and information technology controls.  These deficiencies could result in misstatements in reporting in those areas.  We had undertaken and completed certain initiatives and remedial action in those areas during the 2012 fiscal year and are continuing such remedial action.  See Item 15. “Controls and Procedures” in this report.




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Risk relating to high interest cost




During the current fiscal year, we have raised the long term loans and working capital loan to retire the short term loan obligations and to meet the other liabilities for current operations (see Notes 21 and 22 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in this report). We are also in process of raising additional debt in the near future which may result in severe interest obligations. Our interest rates on long term debt are floating in nature which are determined by lending banks at base rate plus spread. Any upward movement in base rate by the lending bank, in order to check the buoyant inflation trend in Indian economy, may increase our borrowing cost and may hurt our financial results.




Re-farming of the spectrum on the basis of recommendation by TRAI may have huge cost to us




The TRAI in its recommendation on “Spectrum Management and Licensing  Framework” dated May 11, 2010, had recommended that all future  licences should be Unified Licences and that spectrum be delinked from  the licence. Presently in India, there is a service specific licensing regime in  the sense that apart from access service licence, there are separate  licences for different telecom services viz NLD, ILD, VSAT, IP-1, ISP,  GMPCS, PMRTS etc. For each type of telecom services the  service providers are required to obtain separate licences. There shall be three levels of Unified Licence: National level, Service area level and District level. The Applicant Company can  apply either for National level Unified Licence or Service area level  Unified Licence or District level Unified Licence. Only Service level Unified Licence will be given for Metro areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. One time non refundable Entry Fee for Unified Licence  shall be (a) Rs.15 crore for  National level Unified Licence; (b) Rs.1 crore for each Service area level Unified Licence except for Jammu & Kashmir and North East Service areas where Entry fee will be Rs.50 lakh each, and (c) Rs.10 lakh for each District level Unified Licence. Upon the Unified Licence coming into effect, all the existing licences issued under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 shall stand  automatically converted to the Unified Licence with same validity period and with no extra cost. After delinking the licence from spectrum, a company has to go for re-farming of the spectrum by an auction process. The re-farming is likely to impact our financial results owing to an increase in network operating expenditure. It would lead to significant cash outflow due to amount payable for the spectrum at auction discovered price and cost of additional capex and opex for re-alignment of spectrum.







Abolishment of roaming charges by the Government of India in New Telecom Policy 2012 may decrease our revenues in future.





The Government of India has approved New Telecom Policy, 2012 on May 31, 2012 which aims to do away with roaming charges. The customer will use the services without paying any extra charges while in domestic roaming. In India, roaming charges account for nearly 10 per cent of the companies’ revenues. Abolishment of roaming charges may impact the companies’ revenues to a large extent in future. However, we believe that in the long run, as usage will increase with no roaming charges, it might offset the revenue loss caused to us from the loss of roaming revenues.




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Risks Relating to Investments in Indian Companies




There are risks of political uncertainty in India that could affect our business.




During the past decade, the government of India has pursued policies of economic liberalization, including significantly relaxing restrictions on the private sector. Nevertheless, the role of the Indian central and state governments in the Indian economy as producers, consumers and regulators has remained significant. A coalition government is in power. We cannot assure that these liberalization policies will continue in the future. The rate of economic liberalization could change, and specific laws and policies affecting foreign investment, currency exchange rates and other matters affecting investment in our securities could change as well, and also could result in increases in wages. A significant change in India’s economic liberalization and deregulation policies could disrupt business and economic conditions in India generally and could adversely affect the telecommunications licensing and regulatory framework in which we operate our business.




A slowdown in economic growth in India may adversely affect our business and results of operations.




Our performance and the quality and growth of our business are necessarily dependent on the health of the overall Indian economy.  The Indian economy has grown significantly over the past few years.  Any future slowdown in the Indian economy, as well as in other countries where we do significant business, could harm our customers and other contractual counterparties, and thus negatively impact us.  In addition, the Indian economy is in a state of transition.  The share of the services sector of the economy is rising while that of the industrial, manufacturing and agricultural sector is declining.  It is difficult to gauge the impact of these fundamental economic changes on our business, however, our revenues would be adversely affected by slowdowns in the IT sector.




BlackBerry services in India might be banned which could affect our customers and us.




The government of India raised concerns about BlackBerry services in India relating to the security of e-mails and messaging transmitted or received on BlackBerry devices.  Indian security agencies are unable to intercept and monitor BlackBerry services because of encryption mode of communication and non-availability of BlackBerry servers in India.  We are among the nine operators providing BlackBerry services to users in India.  Although discussions have been held to deal with the Government’s concerns, any action taken by the Government in the interest of security of India could affect the BlackBerry users and providers, including us, such as our incurring additional costs or sustaining loss of revenues.




Recent introduction of Direct Tax Code (DTC), Goods and Services Tax Act (GST) and Point of Taxation Rules(POTR)  by the Government might affect our future net income or cash inflows.




In 2010, major tax changes were made to the Indian tax codes upon introduction of Direct Tax Code 2010 (DTC) by Government of India, replacing much of the current income tax laws.  Although, the Government has not yet notified the date of its implementation, however, upon coming into effect, the Government would be able to withdraw tax benefits, reduce incentives, change tax rates, impose additional taxes and otherwise revise the tax structure.  The DTC could result in additional tax liabilities and costs, thereby affect our future net income. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will impose a new indirect tax regime upon coming into operation.  The GST is like a value-added tax on goods and services levied at each point of sale or provision of service, in which at the time of sale of goods or provision of service the seller or service provider may claim the input credit of tax which it has paid while purchasing the goods or procuring the services.  The GST will replace the sales tax and similar taxes.  The implementation of the GST could result in additional costs to us and also could adversely impact our future revenues.




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During the 2011 fiscal year, the central government issued new indirect tax rules relating to service tax which are called Point of Taxation Rules, 2011(POTR). Under Point of Taxation (PoT) Rules 2011 ‘Telecommunication services’ provided by telecom operators to subscribers have been specifically notified to be taxed as ‘continuous supply of services’ i.e. on periodic billing as per the contract (assuming the billing is done within 14 days of decided milestone) or collection, whichever is earlier. The POTR have preponed the liability to deposit Service tax in case of post-paid connection (for landline, mobile phone, broadband connections) from the month of collection to the month of billing. On an average the impact may be of a month. We shall be liable to pay the service Tax immediately after issuing bills. If payments are not received, we will have to incur the cash loss due to this change. Further loss of interest on the service tax paid for the interim period from payment of service tax till the date of collection. The government of India has introduced the concept of ‘Negative list’ in the union budget 2012 wherein all services shall come under the ambit of service tax except those which have been listed in the ‘Negative list’. As a result, the cost of the services shall become more costly due to expansion of service tax net coupled with enhancement of service tax rate from 10% to 12% from April 1, 2012.




Withholding of income tax deductions claimed by us and demands raised by Income Tax department can adversely impact our financial condition.





We have made various tax refunds claims in view of the tax holidays available under section 80IA of Income Tax Act, 1961. We have received claims to the extent of 75% of our claims, however, 25% of the claims are still pending with Honorable High Court. The Income tax department has also raised various demands on us and our subsidiaries in respect of customers deposits etc. The payment of demands and refusal of our claims may adversely affect our financial condition. For information about legal disputes, see Item 4-“Business Overview - Legal Proceedings”.







Financial instability in other countries, particularly emerging market countries in Asia, could adversely affect the Indian economy and cause our business and the market for our equity shares and ADSs to suffer.




The recent global economic and credit conditions in the United States, Europe and Asia have affected the Indian economy in varying degrees.  Although economic conditions are different in each country, investors’ reactions to developments in one country can have adverse effects on the securities of companies in other countries, including India.  A loss of investor confidence in the financial systems of other emerging markets may cause increased volatility in Indian financial markets and, indirectly, in the Indian economy in general.  Any worldwide financial instability could influence the Indian economy and could have a material adverse effect on the market for securities of Indian companies, including our equity shares and ADSs, and upon the exchange rates for the Indian rupee.




Regional conflicts in South Asia, social conflict, terrorism and related military activity may adversely affect the Indian economy or world economic activity, either of which could adversely affect our business and the prices of our equity shares and ADSs.




Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks in July 2011, November 2008 and July 2006 in Mumbai, and other acts of violence or war in India and surrounding area have the potential to have a direct impact on our business, as the majority of our revenues are derived from customers located in Delhi and Mumbai.  Furthermore, such terrorist attacks, threats or war in India could cause a disruption in the delivery of our services to our customers, and could have a negative impact on our business, personnel, assets and results of operations, and could cause our customers or potential customers to delay or postpone the purchase or use of our services, as well as create a greater perception that investments in Indian companies involve higher degrees of risk. This, in turn, could have an adverse impact on the market for securities of Indian companies, including our equity shares and our ADSs.




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The markets in which we operate are subject to the risk of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters.




Some of the regions that we operate in are prone to earthquakes, flooding and other natural disasters.  In the event that any of our business centers are affected by any such disasters, we may sustain damage to our operations and properties and suffer significant financial losses.  Further, in the event of a natural disaster, we may also incur costs in redeploying personnel and property.  In addition if there is a major earthquake, flood or other natural disaster in any of the locations in which a substantial number of our customers are located, we face the risk that our customers may incur sustained business interruption which may materially impair our ability to service such customers.




Risks Relating to the ADSs and Equity Shares




Ability to withdraw equity shares from the depositary facility is uncertain and may be subject to delays.




Government restrictions on foreign ownership of Indian companies limit the number of shares that may be owned by foreign investors and generally require government approval for foreign ownership.  Foreign ownership is permitted up to 74% with FDI beyond 49% requiring government approval under the sectoral caps currently provided for by the government of India and the Reserve Bank of India. Investors who withdraw equity shares from the depositary facility will be subject to Indian regulatory restrictions on foreign ownership of equity shares upon withdrawal.  It is possible that this withdrawal process may be subject to delays.  See Item 10D. “Additional Information - Indian Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulation” in this report.




Ability to sell in India any equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility may be subject to delays.




Persons seeking to sell in India any equity shares withdrawn upon surrender of an ADS will require Reserve Bank of India approval for each such transaction. Because of possible delays in obtaining necessary approvals, holders of equity shares may be prevented from realizing gains during periods of price increases or limiting losses during periods of price declines.




Ability to withdraw and redeposit shares in the depositary facility is limited, which may cause our equity shares to trade at a discount or premium to the market price of our ADSs.




Because of Indian legal restrictions, despite recent relaxations, the supply of ADSs may be limited.  Under procedures recently adopted by the Reserve Bank of India, the depositary is permitted to accept deposits of our outstanding equity shares and deliver ADSs representing the deposited equity shares to the extent, and limited to the number, of ADSs that have previously been converted into underlying equity shares.  Under these new procedures, if you elect to surrender your ADSs and receive equity shares, you may be unable to re-deposit those outstanding equity shares with our depositary and receive ADSs because the number of new ADSs that can be issued cannot, at any time, exceed the number of ADSs converted into underlying equity shares or result in foreign equity in us exceeding 49%.  This may restrict your ability to re-convert the equity shares obtained by you to ADSs.  Also, investors who exchange ADSs for the underlying equity shares and are not holders of record will be required to declare to us details of the holder of record.  Any investor who fails to comply may be liable for a fine of up to Rs.1,000 for each day such failure continues.  See Item 10D. “Additional Information—Indian Foreign Exchange Controls and Securities Regulations” in this report.




The restrictions described above may cause our equity shares to trade at a discount or premium to our ADSs.




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Conditions in the Indian securities market may affect the price or liquidity of the equity shares and the ADSs.




The Indian securities markets are generally smaller in terms of trading volume and more volatile than securities markets in the world’s major financial centers.  Indian stock exchanges have also experienced problems that have affected the market price and liquidity of the securities of Indian companies.  These problems have included temporary exchange closures, the suspension of stock exchange administration, broker defaults, settlement delays and strikes by brokers.  In addition, the governing bodies of the Indian stock exchanges have from time to time imposed restrictions on trading in certain securities, limitations on price movements and margin requirements.  Further, from time to time, disputes have occurred between listed companies and stock exchanges and other regulatory bodies, which, in some cases, may have had a negative effect on market sentiment.  Similar problems could happen in the future and, if they do, they could affect the market price and liquidity of our equity shares and our ADSs.




Because there may be less company information available in Indian securities markets than securities markets in more developed countries, the price of our equity shares could fluctuate unexpectedly.




There is a difference between the level of regulation and monitoring of the Indian securities market and the activities of investors, brokers and other participants and that of markets in the United States and other developed economies.  The Securities and Exchange Board of India is responsible for improving disclosure and other regulatory standards for the Indian securities markets.  The Securities and Exchange Board of India has issued regulations and guidelines on disclosure requirements, insider trading and other matters.  There may, however, be less publicly available information about Indian companies than is regularly made available by public companies in developed economies.  As a result, shareholders could act on incomplete information and cause the price of our equity shares to fluctuate unexpectedly.




ADS holders may be unable to exercise preemptive rights available to shareholders and therefore may suffer future dilution of their ownership position.




A company incorporated in India must offer its holders of equity shares preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for a proportionate number of shares to maintain their existing ownership percentages prior to the issuance of any new equity shares, unless these rights have been waived by at least 75% of the company’s shareholders present and voting at a shareholders’ general meeting.  Holders of our ADSs as well as our shareholders located in the United States may be unable to exercise preemptive rights for our equity shares underlying our ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to those rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available.  Our decision to file a registration statement will depend on the costs and potential liabilities associated with any such registration statement, as well as the perceived benefits of enabling investors in our ADSs to exercise their preemptive rights and any other factors we consider appropriate at the time.  We do not commit to filing a registration statement under these circumstances.  If we issue any such rights in the future, the rights would be issued to the depositary, which may sell the rights in the securities markets in India for the benefit of the holders of our ADSs.  There can be no assurance as to the value, if any, the depositary would receive upon the sale of the rights.  To the extent that holders of our ADSs as well as our shareholders located in the United States are unable to exercise preemptive rights, their proportional interests in us would be reduced.




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ADS holders may be subject to potential losses arising out of exchange rate risk on the Indian rupee and risks associated with the conversion of rupee proceeds into foreign currency.




Holders of ADSs as well as our shareholders located outside India are subject to currency fluctuation risks and convertibility risks, as our equity shares are quoted in Indian rupees on the Indian stock exchanges on which they are listed.  These fluctuations will affect the dollar equivalent of the rupee price of our equity shares on the Indian Stock Exchanges and, as a result, the price of the ADSs in the United States.  Dividends on our equity shares will also be paid in Indian rupees, and then converted into U.S. dollars for distribution to ADS holders.  Holders that seek to convert the rupee proceeds of a sale of equity shares withdrawn upon surrender of ADSs into foreign currency and export the foreign currency will need to obtain the approval of the Reserve Bank of India for each transaction.  In addition, holders that seek to sell equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility will have to obtain approval from the Reserve Bank of India, unless the sale is made on a stock exchange or in connection with an offer made under the regulations regarding takeovers.  Holders of Indian rupees in India may also generally not purchase foreign currency without general or special approval from the Reserve Bank of India.




ADS holders may be subject to Indian taxes arising out of capital gains.




Generally, capital gains, whether short-term or long-term, arising on the sale of the underlying equity shares in India are subject to Indian capital gains tax.  For the purpose of computing the amount of capital gains subject to tax, Indian law specifies that the cost of acquisition of the equity shares will be deemed to be the share price prevailing on the Stock Exchange, Mumbai or the National Stock Exchange on the date the depositary advises the custodian to deliver equity shares upon surrender of ADSs.  The period of holding of equity shares, for determining whether the gain is long-term or short-term, commences on the date of the giving of such notice by the depositary to the custodian. See Item 10E. “Taxation” in this report.




Investors are advised to consult their own tax advisers and to consider carefully the potential tax consequences of an investment in our ADSs.




ADS holders may not be able to enforce a judgment of a foreign court against us.




We are a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of India.  All our directors and executive officers are residents of India and almost all of our assets and the assets of such persons are located in India.  India is not a party to any international treaty in relation to the recognition or enforcement of foreign judgments.  We have been advised by counsel that recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments is provided for on a statutory basis and that foreign judgments shall be conclusive regarding any matter directly adjudicated upon except where:




·
the judgment has not been pronounced by a court of competent jurisdiction;




·
the judgment has not been given on the merits of the case;




·
it appears on the face of the proceedings that the judgment is founded on an incorrect view of international law or a refusal to recognize the law of India in cases in which Indian law is applicable;




·
the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were opposed to natural justice;




·
the judgment has been obtained by fraud; or




·
the judgment sustains a claim founded on a breach of any law in force in India.




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It may not be possible for holders of our ADSs or our shareholders to effect service of process outside of India upon us or our directors and executive officers and experts named in the report who are residents of India or to enforce judgments obtained against us or them in foreign courts predicated upon the liability provisions of foreign countries, including the civil liability provisions of the federal securities laws of the United States.




Moreover, it is unlikely that a court in India would award damages on the same basis as a foreign court if an action is brought in India.  Furthermore, it is unlikely that an Indian court would enforce foreign judgments if it viewed the amount of damages as excessive or inconsistent with Indian practice.  An Indian court may not enforce a foreign judgment involving more than actual and quantifiable damages.




An active or liquid trading market for our ADSs is not assured.




An active, liquid trading market for our ADSs may not be maintained in the long term.  We cannot predict the extent to which an active, liquid public trading market for our ADSs will continue.  If there is no longer any active trading market for our ADSs, or if we fail to meet eligibility requirements, we may be required to delist from the NYSE, which could adversely affect the price of our ADSs and, potentially, our equity shares. In January 2012, the NYSE advised us that the stock price of our ADSs fell below the NYSE continued listing criteria for minimum price of $1.00 per share over a 30 day period and that failure to cure would result in delisting. In March 2012, we cured the minimum price deficiency. However, in June 2012, the NYSE advised us of a new price deficiency. We are considering our options of delisting our ADSs from the NYSE and terminating our SEC reporting, subject to meeting one of the applicable standards. A delisting could reduce the liquidity for the ADSs.  A termination in SEC reporting  would reduce the information about us that we would thereafter file with SEC pursuant to an “information availability” exemption from SEC reporting, and thus available to US investors. Although holders of ADSs are entitled to withdraw the equity shares underlying our ADSs from our depositary at any time, there is no public market for our equity shares in the United States.




ADS holders may be restricted in their ability to exercise voting rights.




At our request, the depositary will mail to ADS holders any notice of shareholders’ meeting received from us along with information explaining how to instruct our depositary to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs.  If the depositary receives voting instructions from ADS holders in time, relating to matters that have been forwarded to them, it will endeavor to vote the securities represented by those ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions.  However, the ability of the depositary to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit.  We cannot assure that all ADS holders will receive voting materials in time to enable them to return voting instructions to the depositary in a timely manner.  Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted.  There may be other communications, notices or offerings that we only make to holders of our equity shares, which will not be forwarded to holders of ADSs.  Accordingly, ADS holders may not be able to participate in all offerings, transactions or votes that are made available to direct holders of our equity shares.




Although announced policy indicates there is no intention to do so, possible sales of our equity shares by the government of India could affect the value of our ADSs.




The government of India holds approximately 56.25% of our outstanding equity shares.  There have been no indications that the current government of India plans to reduce its shareholding in us through a sale of equity.  As a result, this ownership and the right of the government of India to designate directors and officers affects the voting by shareholders and the ability to influence any third party transactions, such as mergers or other business combinations.




Any future disposal of equity shares by the Indian government could adversely affect the trading price of our equity shares and ADSs.




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Item 4.
Information on the Company






4A.  History and Development of the Company





Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited was incorporated in New Delhi, India, on February 28, 1986 under the Indian Companies Act, 1956.  Our principal executive office is located at 12th floor, Jeevan Bharati Tower—1, 124 Connaught Circus, New Delhi—110001, India, and our telephone number is +91-11-2374-2212.




We were formed as a wholly-owned government of India Company and, on April 1, 1986, assumed responsibility for the control, management and operation of the telecommunications networks in Delhi and Mumbai, two of the largest metropolitan areas in India.  Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) (now Tata Communications Limited) was established at the same time to provide international telecommunications services and the DoT retained responsibility for providing all other telecommunications services throughout India.  The DoT also assumed regulatory authority over the Indian telecommunications industry.  Simultaneously, the Telecom Commission was established in 1986 as an executive body under the Ministry of Communications to make policy decisions and to accelerate the development of all aspects of the telecommunications sector and the implementation of new telecommunications policies.




History and Development of the Indian Telecommunications Industry




Until the mid-1980s, the telecommunications sector in India was a monopoly controlled by the government of India through the Department of Posts and Telegraphs of the Ministry of Communications, providing all telecommunications services, both domestic and international.  The Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 established the government of India’s monopoly in the sector and, together with the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, provided the legal framework for the regulation of the Indian telecommunications industry.




Development of the telecommunications sector historically was seen as a relatively low priority and received limited budgetary support from the government of India.  As a result, the telecommunications infrastructure in India grew relatively slowly.  In the mid-1980s, faced with rapidly increasing demand for telecommunications services and equipment, the government of India commenced a reorganization of the sector designed to facilitate the rapid introduction of new technology, stimulate the growth of the telecommunications industry and tap the resources of the private sector in facilitating such technological innovation and growth.  The reorganization included the division of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs into the DoT and the Department of Posts.




In December 1991, with a view towards fulfilling its objective of facilitating the rapid introduction of new services and technology, the DoT invited bids from Indian companies with a maximum of 49% foreign ownership for two non-exclusive GSM cellular licenses in each of the cities of Kolkata (formerly called Calcutta), Chennai (formerly called Madras), Delhi and Mumbai.  The private operators commenced cellular services in late 1995.  Beginning in 1995, the DoT also invited tenders and awarded cellular licenses for the regional “circles” established for the purpose of licensing cellular services in the rest of India. In October 1997, we were permitted to provide GSM cellular service in Mumbai and Delhi. We believe that as of March 31, 2012, there were approximately 919 million wireless subscribers in India.




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Since 1992, as part of its general policy of gradually reducing its holdings in public sector enterprises, the Indian government sold a portion of its equity holdings in us and VSNL (now Tata Communications Limited) to certain mutual funds, banks and financial institutions controlled by the government of India.  In our 1997 global depositary receipt offering, the Indian government sold 40 million of our equity shares represented by 20 million ADSs, constituting 6.3% of our then outstanding equity shares.  Additionally, in 1997 and 1999, the Indian government sold additional equity shares of VSNL in the form of global depositary receipts, thereby reducing its equity interest in that company to 51%.  In February 2002, the government of India divested an additional 25% interest in VSNL to the Tata Group through a competitive bidding process.




In May 1994, the government of India announced its National Telecom Policy, which was aimed at achieving accelerated telecommunications growth and network expansion.  The broad objectives of this policy were higher national telephone penetration, reduction of waiting lists, improvement in the quality of networks, improved rural access to telecommunications services, introduction of value-added services and private sector participation in the provision of basic and cellular services.




In order to achieve these objectives, the Indian government decided to permit private sector involvement in basic telecommunications services, which, in the Indian context, includes basic fixed-line access service and a number of other telecommunications services (including CDMA-based fixed wireless and mobile services (without roaming)), other than long distance services, cellular service and Internet access.  Accordingly, in September 1994, the Indian government announced its “Guidelines for Private Sector Entry into Basic Telecom Services,” and beginning in 1995, it began to invite tenders from companies with no more than 49% foreign ownership for basic service licenses for the regional “circles” established for licensing basic telecommunications services.  After a period of consolidation, the most prominent private-sector providers of basic telecommunications services currently include Bharti Airtel Limited, Tata Teleservices and Reliance Infocomm, each of which operates in multiple circles, which include Mumbai and Delhi, and hence now compete with us in those areas.




In February 1997, a multilateral agreement on basic telecommunications services was agreed to among member governments of the World Trade Organization.  As part of this agreement, the Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to further liberalize the Indian telecommunications sector through the licensing of new basic and cellular service providers.




In March 1997, the Government established the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), an independent regulatory authority with broad regulatory powers over the telecommunications industry in India, including the power to set rates on domestic and international telecommunications services and determine the terms and conditions of interconnect arrangements between service providers.  These regulatory powers had previously been vested in the DoT, which controls us and is part of the Ministry of Communications.  However, the power to grant, renew or revoke licenses remains with the DoT.




In August 1995, Internet services were launched in India by VSNL (now Tata Communications Limited).  In November 1998, the government of India opened this sector permitting Internet service by private operators.  A liberal license regime was put in place with a view to increasing Internet penetration across the country.  Commencing in April 2002, the Government also permitted ISPs to process and carry voice signals (Restricted Internet Telephony).




In March 1999, the government of India announced its New Telecom Policy 1999 which sets forth as one of its central goals the fostering of increased competition in the Indian telecommunications industry and the liberalization of government telecommunications regulation.




Additionally, effective May 1, 1999, the TRAI implemented the 1999 tariff order pursuant to which the TRAI seeks to align tariffs charged by service providers with the corresponding costs associated with such services so as to limit cross-subsidization of services by a provider while allowing providers to set tariffs at any level below certain maximum levels.  The TRAI has since adjusted tariffs several times under the tariff order.




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In October 1999, the DoT, which had both performed the role of licensor and policy maker for the Ministry of Communications and operated as India’s domestic long distance service provider and basic service provider (except for the areas of Delhi and Mumbai, which are covered by us), was bifurcated into two departments.  The DoT/Telecom Commission, or the DoT, now performs the role of licensor and policy maker, and the Department of Telecom Services, functions as the government of India’s local and long distance network service provider.




In October 2000, the Department of Telecom Services’ local and long distance business was corporatized into a new company named Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL). In Ministry of Communications the Indian government has established an independent Information Technology Department within the Ministry of Communications (now formally known as the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology).  The IT department will, among other things, promote the Internet, e-commerce and knowledge-based industries.  Internet licensing functions will remain with the DoT.  The DoT controls the equity shares in us that are held by the Indian government and appoints all of the directors on our board.  See Item 6A. “Directors and Senior Management” in this report.




The government of India passed the Information Technology Act, 2000 to facilitate the development of a secure environment for electronic commerce.  This Act established a regulatory authority for electronic commerce, provided legal validity to information in the form of electronic records and permitted, unless otherwise agreed, an acceptance of a contract to be expressed by electronic means of communication.  It also facilitated electronic intercourse in trade and commerce by providing the legal framework for authentication and origin of electronic record/communication through digital signature and eliminated uncertainties over writing and signature requirements.




In January 2001, the DoT issued guidelines for basic services, including provisions for wireless access systems limited with the local area.  In April 2001, the Indian government announced that all basic licensees, including us, may offer wireless-in-local loop services under their basic service licenses.




In November 2003, the DoT issued guidelines for Unified Access Service License (UASL) which cover within a service area both basic telecommunications services and cellular services.  In the Indian context, “basic telecommunications services” or “basic services” include basic fixed-lined access service and a number of other telecommunications services, other than long distance services, cellular service and Internet access.  Basic services also include CDMA-based fixed wireless and mobile services (without roaming).  In August 2005, the DoT clarified that fixed wireless service had the character of limited mobile service and, therefore, was categorized into limited mobile service within the scope of a basic service license.  Now basic service license is not being provided to new operators, only cellular service and UASL are being granted to new entrants.  UASL operators can provide basic services along with mobile services.  The National Broadband Policy, 2004 had the target of 20 million broadband connections by the end of year 2010; however, only approximately13.79 million connections were in effect by March 31, 2012.




In December 2005, the licenses of access providers were amended to provide broadband services, including triple play, i.e., voice, video and data.  ISPs can provide Internet Access/Internet content Services where Internet has been defined as a global information system that is logically linked by a globally unique address based on IP or its subsequent enhancement/up gradation.  ISPs cannot provide content services on a managed network (virtual/real) not derived from Internet. We also applied for  migration from ISP License Category ‘B’ to Category ‘A’ service Area All India.




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The government of India has constantly endeavored to usher in policy decisions that could facilitate affordable public telecom facilities, in accordance with the New Telecom Policy, 1999.  In line with this strategy, in December 2005, the Government made a major decision to further liberalize the NLD (national long distance) and ILD (international long distance) licenses in order to facilitate the growth of the IT and IT-enabled services in India.  The Government decided to do away with IP II and IPVPN licenses.  Existing IP-II/IP-VPN licenses were allowed to migrate to NLD/ILD service licenses.




In November 2006, the DoT announced that all licensees shall ensure adequate verification of each customer before enrolling him as a subscriber.  In December 2008, the DOT issued regulations prescribing financial penalties for violations of the subscriber verification rules. For ensuring that the complete subscriber information is available with all the service providers and the same is duly verified, the DOT also decided that each licensee shall take up re-verification of the existing subscribers on priority and ensure that the re-verification of the existing subscribers is completed by March 31, 2007.  By re-verification, it is meant that there shall be 100% check of CAF/SAF documentary proof of identity and documentary proof of address and it would be ensured that the subscriber information available in service provider’s database matches with that in CAF/SAF and associated documents.  Further the licensee company would cross-verify the information from the actual user by calling the respective subscriber.  On April 20, 2010, the DoT announced the methodology for verification of telephone subscriber’s data requiring all service providers to submit the information about subscribers by state and license area each month to TERM cell and Economic Research Unit of the DOT.




Other Service Providers (OSPs) providing services like tele-banking, telemedicine, tele-trading, tele-education, e-commerce and call centers are required to be registered with the DoT.  OSPs allowed to operate by using infrastructure provided by various Access Service Providers.  Effective September 2007, the Government decentralized the registrations of call centers (domestic and international) under the “Other Service Providers” (OSP) category and the telemarketers under ‘Telemarketing’ category from the DoT (Headquarters) to the respective Vigilance Telecom Monitoring (VTM) Cells of 10 circles in the first phase.  The decentralization of registration has been successful and pendency came down.  Therefore, effective June 2008, registration under OSP/Telemarketing was further decentralized for all VTM Cells.




Under ISP guidelines, dated August 24, 2007, the Government decided to issue a single license permitting restricted Internet Telephony for the ISPs.  The new licenses are being issued in Category A and Category B, but not in Category C.  Category B service areas were modified into 23 service areas, as defined in the guidelines.  Existing ISPs which were granted licenses prior to August 24, 2007 were permitted to migrate to licenses under the guidelines, and without payment of any entry fee, however BG and FBG were to be deposited pursuant to the new license.  Category C ISPs were encouraged to migrate to either Category A or Category B.  The validity period of the new ISP license was extended from 15 years to 20 years.  In addition, licensees having a  net worth of at least Rs.100 crore were eligible to provide Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service.




In August 2008, the government of India announced the guidelines for auction and allotment of spectrum for 3G telecom services.  Bidding was open to persons who held a UAS license or who fulfilled the eligibility requirements for obtaining a UAS license in accordance with the DoT guidelines, dated December 12, 2005, and had previous experience in running 3G telecom services.




In August 2008, 3G and BWA spectrum was allotted to both PSUs, i.e. us and BSNL, upon the condition that the PSUs pay one-time charges as decided through the auction process.  Pursuant to DoT requirements, we were to pay a one-time spectrum fee in an amount equal to the highest bid as determined for the Delhi and Mumbai circles.




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The auction process for 3G spectrum was completed in September 2010.  The 3G auction price for Delhi was Rs.33,169 million and for Mumbai was Rs.32,471 million, resulting in us paying a total Rs.65,640 million for these two circles.  The BWA auction price for Delhi was Rs.22,410.2 million and for Mumbai was Rs.22,929.5 million, resulting in us paying a total of Rs.45,339.7 million for these two circles. In 2012,our management decided to surrender the BWA spectrum and requested the DOT to refund the  Rs.45,339.7 million along with interest.




In 2009, the DoT announced the guidelines for provisioning of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services.  Access providers having a license to provide triple play services and ISPs having a net worth exceeding Rs.100 crore and having permission from the licensor to provide IPTV were allowed to provide IPTV services.




In 2010, the DoT issued amendments to the license agreement for security clearance before placement of a purchase order for procuring telecom equipment/software.  All passive infrastructure equipment were exempted from this security clearance procedure.  Further, all equipment/software manufactured/developed by Indian owned/controlled manufacturers/developers were also exempted for the security clearance procedure.  The DoT also issued an amendment to the license agreement for security and security management related concerns for expansion of telecom services.  This amendment, among other things, stated that “the Licensee shall have well outlined organizational policy on security and security management of their networks and shall be completely and totally responsible for security of their networks. The Licensee shall also engage services of international accredited network audit and certification agencies in consultation with the Licensor to perform network forensics, network hardening, net penetration test, risk assessment, actions to fix problems and to prevent such problems from occurring...”




On August 10, 2010, the DoT permitted the launch of commercial service of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) only to those licensees which are MNP compliant.  On January 11, 2011, MNP services were launched across India, except for Haryana where such services had been launched on November 25, 2010.




In order to ensure the growth of broadband, on December 4, 2010, the TRAI submitted its recommendation to the DoT on “National Broadband Plan,” and clarified the recommendation on May 4, 2011.  The recommendation in principle was that an effective broadband network would be a combination of wireless and wireline/fixed line technologies at the access level.  This would provide for 75 million broadband connections (17 million Digital Subscriber Line, 30 million cable and 28 million wireless broadband) by the year 2012, and 160 million broadband connections (22 million Digital Subscriber Line, 78 million cable and 60 million wireless broadband) by the year 2014. The Government has not yet accepted the TRAI’s recommendation.




On May 31, 2012, the government of India has approved New Telecom Policy, 2012 which is a paradigm shift from all existing policies in India. The main features of NTP 2012 are as follows:





·
No timeline for one nation one roaming policy implementation
 ·
India to emerge as global manufacturing hub for mobile equipment/handsets
 ·
Liberalization of spectrum - any service in any spectrum is part of the new telecom policy
 ·
Unified licencing scheme is part of the new policy - de link, licence from spectrum
 ·
Taking advantage of cloud computing
 ·
Focus on  making India a global telecom hub
 ·
Convergence of networks, services and devices very important
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  ·
Liberalization of spectrum in any service and any technology
 ·
Simplification of the licensing regime
 ·
National mobile number portability scheme
 ·
Re-farm spectrum and allot alternative frequency bands to current holders/service providers from time to time to make spectrum available for new technologies from time to time




The approximate number of licenses for providing telecom services issued as of March 31, 2012 were:




SUMMARY OF LICENSESLICENSEES

NO. OF LICENSEESBasic Licensees


2CMTS Licensees


37UAS Licensees


240NLD Licensees


33ILD Licensees


27Total Licenses


339




The table indicates the increased nature of competition among the telecom service providers.  We are making efforts to keep the pace with the industry.




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The following chart illustrates the current operational and regulatory structure of India’s telecommunications services industry:









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Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited




Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited was established by the government of India in 1986 to provide fixed-line and other basic telecommunications services in Delhi and Mumbai.  Delhi and Mumbai are two of the largest, most densely populated and wealthiest metropolitan areas in India.  As of March 31, 2012, our fixed-line telecommunications networks in Delhi and Mumbai had an aggregate of approximately 3.46 million fixed lines in service.  In February 2001, we launched our cellular services using global system for mobile communications or GSM technology in Delhi and Mumbai and, as of March 31, 2012 had approximately 5.59 million subscribers.  GSM is the European and Asian standard for digital mobile telephone networks. We launched CDMA-based services in 1997 based on limited mobility, and as of March 31, 2012, had approximately 0.25 million limited mobile subscribers in Mumbai and Delhi.  CDMA is a digital wireless technology that increases network capacity by allowing more than one user to simultaneously occupy a single radio frequency band with reduced interference.  We launched broadband services in 2004, and as of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 1.04 million subscribers for broadband in Mumbai and Delhi. We began providing Internet service in both Delhi and Mumbai in February 1999 and had approximately 8.99 million Internet access subscribers as of March 31, 2012. However with the increase in demand for higher bandwidth more and more subscribers are now switching to broadband. In December 2008, we were the first operator to inaugurate the 3G services in India, with commercial launch in February 2009 in Delhi and in May 2009 in Mumbai,.  All our mobile customers are 3G enabled and can avail broadband services by using 3G enabled devices.




We believe that the size of the markets in Delhi and Mumbai, the economic environment, the Indian government’s ongoing liberalization of the telecommunications industry and the still low level of penetration of Internet/broadband based services in these two cities provide opportunities for future industry growth.




The number of our access lines in service grew at a compound annual growth rate of 7.17% from March 31, 2001 to March 31, 2012  In fiscal year 2012, these lines increased by 3.88%, due to cellular services.  In fiscal year 2012, our network had approximately 4.45 million access lines in service in Delhi and 4.84 million access lines in service in Mumbai.  In addition, our access lines in service per employee increased from 65.98 as of March 31, 2000 to 220.80 as of March 31, 2012.




We derive our revenue primarily from local, domestic long distance and international calls that originate from our network.  In fiscal year 2011, approximately 22% of our revenues were derived from call charges, 52% from rentals of telephones, access lines and other telecommunications equipment and use of our value-added services and 5% from public call offices.  Interconnect revenue, which is revenue derived from other telecommunications service providers for calls made into our network, accounted for 9% of our revenues in fiscal year 2011.  Local calls are carried on our network, unless the termination point is in the network of one of the cellular operators or one of the new private-sector basic service providers in the locality.  We have been carrying our own traffic between Delhi and Mumbai since May 2006. Other domestic long distance calls continue to be passed from our network to the domestic telecommunications network operated by BSNL, although we have entered into interconnect agreements with the new private-sector domestic long distance service providers and intend to pass such domestic long distance calls also through such other providers.  In addition, currently all international outgoing calls continue to be passed from our network to international gateways operated by Tata Communications Limited (formerly VSNL), India’s former government-controlled international long distance carrier, although we have entered into interconnect agreements with other private-sector international long distance carriers and have plans for joint development with BSNL of submarine cable to connect the east and west coasts of India with Malaysia and the Middle East (and ultimately Europe and the USA).




We expect competition to continue to increase in all major sectors of the Indian telecommunications industry, as both government and private-sector companies continue to invest in capacity expansion and seize opportunities to enter new geographical areas and lines of business and also trend towards mobile services from basic services that could favor our competitors.  See “— Business Overview—Competition” below.




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Licenses/License Areas




We provide all of our telecommunications services, other than Internet, under a single, general, non-exclusive license granted by the DoT.  The license initially granted to us in 1986 was effective for a five-year period that ended on March 31, 1991.  The term of the license has been extended for a 25-year period ending March 31, 2013 for basic services. Since we are owned by the government of India, we do not expect to encounter any obstacles in obtaining a license extension.




In October 1997, our license was amended to explicitly include cellular services and radio paging, and our license for such additional services currently extends to October 2017.  The license is not specific as to the type of cellular technology that we may use.  The license covers areas within the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Delhi and the areas covered by the municipalities of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.  The DoT has extended the scope of our license to allow us to provide cellular services in certain surrounding areas of Delhi and Mumbai covered by other cellular operators in those cities.  The license specifies that we may provide local, domestic long distance access (through interconnection with domestic long distance operators) and international long distance access (through interconnection with networks of international long distance operators), as well as telex and leased line services. In October 2006, we acquired the National Long Distance (NLD) license for a period of 20 years. In June 2008, we were granted the ILD license for providing international long distance services.




The DoT retains the right to revoke our license after giving us one month’s notice.  The DOT also retains the right, after giving notice to us, to modify the terms and conditions of our license at any time if in their opinion it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interest of the general public or for the proper operation of the telecommunications sector.  A revocation of the license or a change in significant terms of the license, such as its duration, the amount of license fee payable, the range of services permitted and the scope of exclusivity could limit our ability to operate particular lines of our business or result in increased costs in the form of increased license fees or costs associated with applying for new licenses, or contesting limitations on our licenses.




In August 2008, we were earmarked frequencies in 2100 MHz band and allotted one carrier of 5MHz in each of Delhi and Mumbai for the deployment of 3G services.  In addition, we have been allotted 20 MHz spectrum in TDD mode for providing Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) service for a period of 20 years and 15 years, respectively.




We provide our Internet services in Delhi and Mumbai under separate non-exclusive license agreements.  These licenses were granted in November 1998, and currently extend to September 2017.  In addition, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Millennium Telecom Limited (MTL), provides Internet access services throughout India under a license granted in 2000 for an initial period of 15 years.  The government of India agreed in principle that BSNL have an equal equity participation in MTL, however no transaction has been effected.




Delhi.According to the government of India’s provisional 2011 population census data, Delhi had a total population of approximately 16.7 million.  In addition to being India’s political capital, Delhi is one of the highest per capita income states in India.  Delhi has a high concentration of service and manufacturing industries and houses the central government, the head offices for many major public sector enterprises, embassies, high commissions and various government missions and development agencies.




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Mumbai.  The city of Mumbai, the financial capital of India and the capital of the State of Maharashtra, is India’s most populous city, with a population of approximately 20 million according to the 2011 census data.




We are paying license fees to the DoT on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for providing telecommunication services. The percentage of license fees varies depending on type of license. Revenue earned from basic and mobile services entail 10% license fees whereas revenue earned from NLD, ILD & internet services are subject to 6% license fees. In addition to the license fees, we pay spectrum charges the DoT a percentage of AGR for a license to provide the GSM & CDMA services to customers. The spectrum charges are based on the AGR derived from the GSM & CDMA services and worked out on the basis of agreement with the DoT which varies according to quantity of radio waves or say spectrum by the operator. In February 2010, the DoT had issued orders hiking spectrum usage charges (ranging between 1-2%) for all mobile players (GSM and CDMA) as per the spectrum being held by them. The hike was made applicable from April 1, 2010. The new charges vary between 3-8% depending upon the quantum of airwaves held by the respective operators.




As per TD SAT Orders dated August 30, 2007, several incomes other than operational income need not be counted towards gross revenue for the calculation of License Fees and Revenue Sharing Expenditure may be accounted for on accrual basis instead of actual paid basis as insisted by the DoT.  This method was challenged in Hon’ble Supreme Court by the DoT. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its subsequent order dated January 11, 2010 in appeal (civil) modified the stay order requiring the respondents to pay the existing rates as per TDSAT Judgment dated August 30, 2007 subject to filing an undertaking by them that deficiency if any, will be made good by them.  However, the stay continued based upon refunds of amounts already paid.  Being government of India Enterprises, both BSNL and MTNL are not party to it. Hence, applicability of the said judgment  to MTNL / was unascertainable.




Subsequently at that point of time, after repeated attempts, we once again  requested the DoT to allow us to calculate AGR as per the TDSAT Judgment to maintain a level playing field and also in consideration of our undertaking to make good any deficiency based on the final decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The DoT was also reminded of our request via letters, dated October 5, 2010 and January 14, 2011. However, the DoT by letter, 17-37/2010/LF dated February 23, 2011, again rejected our plea for revision of License Fees calculation as per TDSAT Judgment. Since we were not an appellant to the TDSAT case, we decided that it is not appropriate to account for the TDSAT impact of license fee in the accounts. However, the case has been discussed with DGP&T, the highest audit authority for government telecom companies in India, to extend the benefit of TDSAT judgment to us as well. The financial implications to us resulting from disallowed income by the DoT for license fees calculation from 2001-02 to March 21, 2011 is approximately Rs.4,265 million. In October 2011, the Hon’ble Supreme Court withheld TDSAT judgment dated August 30, 2007 and allowed the DoT to collect license fee from the operators on revenues earned from non-telecom activities. The Hon’ble Supreme Court said that the DoT's decision on charging a license fee on the gross revenue earned by the companies cannot be questioned. However, the Supreme Court, by declaratory judgment in October 2011, referred to the TDSAT the issue in respect of other operators against whom demands were raised by the DoT to pay license fees “on other income” to consider the entire issue of AGR.  Since we are neither a party in the litigation nor are causing any default on this count, we continued to pay the license fees to the DoT “on other income” as well. In the event if the TDSAT or the Supreme Court take any further review of the subject in the pending cases, the result of the review would be applicable to us.
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The TRAI, in its recommendation on “Spectrum Management and Licensing  Framework” dated May 11, 2010, had recommended that all future licenses should be Unified Licenses and that spectrum be delinked from  the licence. Presently in India, there is a service specific licensing regime in  the sense that apart from access service licence, there are separate  licenses for different telecom services viz NLD, ILD, VSAT, IP-1, ISP,  GMPCS, PMRTS etc. For each type of telecom services the  service providers are required to obtain separate licences. There shall be three levels of Unified License: National level, Service area level and District level. The Applicant Company can  apply either for National level Unified License or Service area level Unified License or District level Unified License. Only Service level Unified License will be given for Metro areas of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. One time non refundable Entry Fee for Unified License  shall be (a) Rs.15 crore for  National level Unified License; (b) Rs.1 crore for each Service area level Unified License except for Jammu & Kashmir and North East Service areas where Entry fee will be Rs.50 lakh each, and (c) Rs.10 lakh for each District level Unified License. Upon coming into effect, the Unified License, all the existing licences issued under Section 4 of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 shall stand  automatically converted to the Unified License with same validity period and with no extra cost. After delinking the licence from spectrum, a company has to go for re-farming of the spectrum by an auction process. The re-farming is likely to impact our financial results owing to an increase in network operating expenditure. It would lead to significant cash outflow due to amount payable for the spectrum at auction discovered price and cost of additional capex and opex for re-alignment of spectrum.




Strategy




Key elements of our strategy include the following:




·
Expand GSM Cellular (2G and 3G) Mobile Services in Delhi and Mumbai.  We launched our cellular services using GSM technology in Delhi and Mumbai in February 2001. We believe that current penetration rates in Mumbai and Delhi remain attractive for expansion of cellular mobile service in both Delhi and Mumbai with high speed internet and high quality video and new generation wireless.




·
3G Services.  Our 3G network is HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Access) with download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps.  We plan to upgrade our 3G network to supporting download speeds up to 21.1 Mbps.




·
3G Data Cards.  We have adopted two strategies to provide 3G data cards to our subscribers.  First, bundling of 3G data cards with our 3G services, which will allow suppliers to sell their 3G data cards bundled with our 3G services.  Before allowing such data cards with our 3G services, we will thoroughly test the data card for its performance in our 3G network.  Second, we are also procuring 3G data cards and are providing them to our customers.




·
Accelerate the pace of expansion of Data/Internet services with up-gradation of technology: We commenced our Internet service provider operations in February 1999 with an initial network capacity to support up to 5,000 subscribers in each of Delhi and Mumbai. We experienced significant demand for this service and have since expanded our Internet services capacity to support the growing demand in each of Delhi and Mumbai. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 8.99 million Internet access users. We introduced broadband technology based on ADSL2+, capable of providing triple play services (video, voice and data) in 2005. This service found huge acceptability with customers and the subscriber base grew rapidly. . We are further expanding our broadband network to provide bandwidth on demand by deployment of ADSL 2+ /  VDSL , MLDN / PON etc. As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately1.04 million broadband users.




·
Further Develop and Modernize our Network:We have always been pioneer in introducing latest technologies in the telecom field and intend to continue to invest in expanding and upgrading our network to improve our quality of service.  With the developments in the Telecom Sector MTNL has transformed itself from telecom voice service provider to a total telecom solution provider. Through expansion and modernization of our network, we seek to improve the capacity of our network, reduce network failure rates, improve call completion rates and decrease average waiting time for new lines as well as support our Broadband/Internet and value-added services.




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·
Phasing out of old technology:Telecom is certainly the most active sector/business today. In the telecom sector which is driven by very stiff competition, fast changing technologies and falling prices of the telecom equipments, The investment today in a particular technology becomes outdated tomorrow with an introduction of more promising technology / services / Quality of services.  To survive in the market, every operator has to move with the market forces and to adopt advance technologies/services.  For this following strategy has been adopted:




·
SDH technology is becoming obsolete day by day. Therefore we intend to gradually phase out our TDM networks and to evolve an all IP based converged network(s). At present our access and aggregation network is primarily on SDH technology which is becoming obsolete day by day. Thus, we have decided not to procure STM -4 & 16 further.




·
We have planned to replace our TDM Fixed line switches with NGN / IMS switch in phased manner during 12th Five year plan. Introduction of NGN / IMS based services will not only help us in saving opex, space but also enable us to offer all data / video centric services which are currently enjoyed by Mobile subscribers to  our fixed line subscribers also ultimately leading to convergence of fixed and mobile services.




·
We are also expanding the reach of fiber network near to the customer premises.  Copper is being laid in Greenfield areas or at places where laying of fiber is financially not feasible keeping in view the demand is in the final stages.




·
Enhance Value-added Services:We provide our subscribers with value-added services such as call-waiting, call-forwarding, wake-up calls, absent subscriber service and caller identification at no charge or for a nominal fee.  Tie up has been done with various content providers to provide VAS on WAP, SMS, GPRS and voice portals, as well as news, weather, cricket, astrology, chat, monophonic ring tones, picture manage and logos, PNR alerts, job alerts, commodity and stock status on SMS and Premium SMS services. Polyphonic Ring tone, True tone sing tone, video ring tones, video clip download, video games, Bluetooth games, animated pictures, video download on non-video phones, booking of movies ticket, and e-mail access over GPRS service are also being provided.




·
We also provide our Intelligent Network services to subscribers, which include our calling card services, a toll-free calling service, a premium rate “0900” number service, universal access service and a televoting service.  We also provide high speed data transmission services using integrated services digital network technology, which allows simultaneous high speed transmission of voice, data and images.  We expect that our value-added service offerings will increase use of our network, enhance overall customer satisfaction and provide new sources of revenue.




·
Selectively Target International Opportunities: We plan to selectively target expansion opportunities outside India where we can leverage our expertise and relationships. Our Nepal joint venture, United Telecom Limited, in which we hold a 26.68% equity interest, has commenced wireless in local loop services and provides other services as the first private-sector telecommunications operator in that country.  It had a subscriber base of approximately 610,000 as of December 2011. We have also been awarded licenses to provide basic, mobile and international long distance service in Mauritius, where we operate through a 100%-owned subsidiary.  As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 124,000 customers in Mauritius.  We are also examining other international opportunities.




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·
Focus on Customer Service: In order to strengthen the loyalty of our customers, attract cellular subscribers and improve our competitive position, we have a program to improve customer service and become more responsive to the needs of our subscribers.  We have introduced improved bill collection and payment procedures (including bill payment over the Internet and via credit card), opened Tele-marts at which most subscriber services are available, introduced telephone directories on the Internet and on CD-ROM and implemented a customer service management system.  Our customer service management system enables our staff to provide customers with access to a range of “on-line” services, including registration for new telephone lines, changes of address and issuances of bills, and allows us to monitor complaints from a single point of contact.  We have identified high usage “commercially important persons” and are making all efforts to strengthen our relationship with these subscribers.  We also have strengthened the customer care help lines for all services and posted additional trained staff on these help lines as well as in Sanchar Haats to provide on the spot solutions to all the requirements of our customers.




·
Gainful Utilization of Assets : We are seeking to maximize revenues by gainful utilization of our assets by (i) sharing our passive as well as active infrastructure, such as towers and core capacity and (ii) sharing and developing our real estate.




·
We have significant assets in the form of land and buildings, and of late has been making efforts for renting out the spare space and have also been successful to some extent. With the advancement of technology the space occupied by the equipment is shrinking day by day and more and more space is becoming available for other uses. In a constant effort for generation of additional revenues, we have rented out the space available in different offices/exchange buildings across Delhi and Mumbai. In addition to, we have considerable assets of spare capacity available in the form of installed equipment which we intend to rent out to generate additional revenues .




4B.  Business Overview





Services




Our primary business is providing basic telecommunications services in Delhi and Mumbai, which include:




1.
Basic fixed-line access (including phone plus facilities) in Delhi and Mumbai:  We provide basic fixed-line access, which consists of installation and provision of basic voice telephony services.  Rental charges include maintenance of connections between a subscriber’s premises and our network, as well as the use of a basic handset (although subscribers may elect to buy their own handset and have their installation charges reduced accordingly).  Phone plus facilities in basic fixed-line include such services as abbreviated dialing, call transfer, hotline facility, three party conferencing, absentee facility, CLIP facility, call hunting, call alert and morning alarm.




2.
GSM cellular services (including value-added services) in Delhi and Mumbai: In February 2001, we launched our cellular mobile services using GSM technology (the European and Asian standard for digital cellular telephony) in Delhi and Mumbai under the brand name 'Dolphin'.  In 2002, we introduced our prepaid cellular services under the brand name 'Trump'.  As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 5.5 million GSM cellular subscribers.  We provide national roaming facilities for our GSM cellular customers through the networks of BSNL outside Mumbai and Delhi and have established roaming facilities for our customers in approximately 200 countries.  As of March 31, 2012, we had installed a cellular network with a capacity of approximately 3.0  million lines each in Delhi and Mumbai.




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·
Value-added services:  We offer value-added services on GSM such as call-waiting, call-forwarding, wake-up calls, absent subscriber service (informing callers that the subscriber is unavailable) and caller identification, friends & family, night talk, VMS call conference, WAP and voice mail.




·
3G cellular services:In August 2008, we were earmarked frequencies in 2100 MHz band for deployment of 3G services in Delhi and Mumbai. We have been allotted one carrier of 5 MHz in each of Delhi and Mumbai for the deployment.




In December 2008, we inaugurated 3G mobile services in Delhi, which was the first launch of 3G services by any operator in India.  The 3G technology is the natural evolution of 2G services and will facilitate higher speed and data throughputs enabling the delivery of a wide range of multimedia services such as video streaming, movie downloads, mobile TV, M-commerce and other functions.




Presently, 750,000 lines of 3G capacity have been deployed in each of Delhi and Mumbai. As on March 31, 2012, 762  Nodes B in Delhi and 740 Nodes B in Mumbai were operational. We are now working on the expansion of our 3G network.




·
Partnering Conexus Mobile Alliance: We provide 2G, 2.5G GPRS/EDGE enabled GSM, 3G WCDMA, HSDPA and CDMA 2000 1X based mobile services. We also offer BlackBerry services to our customers. For GSM mobile services, we have international roaming arrangements in almost 200 countries.




We joined the Conexus Mobile Alliance of GSM Operators (the “Alliance”) in Asia Pacific region for the benefit of its mobile international roamers.  This Alliance is one of Asia's largest mobile alliances consisting of 11 mobile operators across 10 Asian countries serving more than 300 million customers. The Alliance was formed to develop and enhance international roaming and corporate mobile services for greater convenience and ease of use for its members' customers. The Alliance facilitates voice, video and data roaming via its members' GSM/GPRS, WCDMA and HSDPA networks aiming to create a Virtual Home Environment for its members' customers to experience seamless, convenient and quality mobile-related services at affordable price while roaming in member operators' networks.




We have actively participated in the Alliance’s activities.  Various customer friendly schemes like SIM replacement program, BlackBerry replacement program, data roaming, flat rate data roaming, Conexus wide SMS etc. are recent new initiatives taken by the Alliance.




3.
Broadband and Internet services: We commenced our Internet service operations in February 1999 with initial equipment capacity to support up to 5,000 subscribers in each of Delhi and Mumbai.  We experienced significant demand for this service and have since expanded our Internet services capacity to support the growing demand in each of Delhi and Mumbai.  As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 1.0 million subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai.




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We also enable our customers to access the Internet without having to subscribe for Internet service.  They can access the service and later be billed on the basis of calling line identification usage.  The number of customers who use this service is much higher than our number of Internet subscribers.  In 2004, we launched our broadband services under the brand name “Triband” in Delhi and Mumbai simultaneously.  This service has found significant acceptability with customers and subscribers bases grown rapidly.




We expanded broadband services on a large scale based on the ADSL2+ technology in January 2005.  ADSL means asymmetric digital subscriber loop, a technology that allows combinations of services including voice, data technology and one-way full motion video to be compressed and delivered over existing copper cables.  These high speed data services are in strong demand from large corporate, financial, media, public service and education institutions.  Our broadband customer base grew to 1.04 million as on March 31, 2012 as compared to 940,000 as of March 31, 2011. The installed capacity of broadband ports as of March 31, 2012 was 1.63 million as compared to 1.62 million as of March 31, 2011.




4.
Mobile and fixed-wireless services based on CDMA technology:  In May 1997, we began implementing wireless-in-local-loop services using CDMA technology for fixed wireless and mobile operations on a commercially experimental basis with a single exchange in Delhi. Wireless-in-local-loop services use wireless links from a local exchange and capacity for 1,000 subscribers in place of conventional cables. Two types of service are provided.  One type employs a handset that is fixed to a subscriber’s premises for “fixed wireless” service, while the other employs a mobile telephone -or “mobile” or “limited mobility” services.  CDMA fixed wireless is a substitute for fixed-line access.  Fixed wireless allows us to enhance basic service penetration, provide quicker installation and cover areas where the installation of cable would not be economical.  Our CDMA mobile service is marketed under the brand name Garuda.




Our CDMA mobile service initially offered only limited mobility within Delhi and Mumbai. We have launched roaming facility in Garuda/CDMA in Delhi and Mumbai.  As of March 31, 2012, the capacity of WLL was approximately 550,000 and 540,000 for Delhi and Mumbai, respectively and we had approximately 250,000 CDMA mobile connections.




5.
Leased line service:  We provide point-to-point leased line services for local, domestic long distance and international connectivity.  Subscribers can use our leased lines to assemble their own private networks between offices within Delhi and Mumbai or together with BSNL, between Delhi and Mumbai and to other Indian cities.  Leased line services can be used for voice and data transmission at various bandwidths.  In addition, we earn revenues from leasing circuits to cellular operators in Delhi and Mumbai to interconnect their networks to our network.  As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 52,000 leased line subscribers compared to approximately 55,000 subscribers as of March 31, 2011.




6.
ISDN services:We provide narrow-band ISDN services that allow subscribers to send high speed data make telephone calls with high quality voice transmission and hold desktop video conferences over a single line.  In the past, the development of independent networks for a variety of services (such as voice, telex, packet-switched data and leased lines) made each of them relatively expensive.  ISDN technology allows a wide range of data services to be made available to the subscriber through a single connection and at a reduced cost.  We believe these high speed data transmission products will help us attract high usage subscribers.  We introduced narrow-band ISDN services in August 1996, and we had approximately 24,500 subscribers to this service as of March 31, 2012.




7.
Public call offices:  Public call offices consist of both manned offices where people can make local, long distance and international calls, and coin operated telephone booths.  As of March 31, 2012, public call offices accounted for 4.60% of our total wire lines in service. The coin-operated public call offices offer only local call service, while the franchised public call offices offer local, domestic long distance and international call services.  We pay a commission to the franchisees amounting to 40% of the tariffs charged by the franchisee on local calls and 20-30% of the tariffs charged by the franchisee on domestic long distance depending on the number of calls per fortnight and international calls.  The franchisees charge the same tariffs we do for these services. With the increase in penetration of telephone services the utility of the PCOs are decreasing  and there is  a continuous decline in their numbers.




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8.
Telex and Intelligent Network services: We have introduced Intelligent Network services over our entire network which at present includes:




·          calling card service


·          toll free calling service


·          premium rate “0900” number service


·          televoting service




9.
Data services:We have set up two Data Centers in Mumbai in collaboration with IIT Bombay which are indigenously development by IIT Bombay. The data centers are located at Worli & CBD Belapur, with a capacity of 100 TB each. These centres currently offer the following services :





·          Dedicated Server Hosting


·          Collocation Services


·          Storage Services


·          Virtual Machines (VM Ware)




Interconnection with domestic international long distance carriers and with basic and cellular operators in Delhi and Mumbai:  We provide local telephone services in Delhi and Mumbai as well as domestic and international long distance through our connectivity with BSNL’s domestic long distance network and Tata Communications Limited’s international gateways.  Since May 2006, we have carried our own traffic between Delhi and Mumbai.  We derive revenues from tariffs we collect on local domestic long distance and international calls that originate on our network.  Tariffs, or usage charges, consist of charges for local, domestic long distance and international calls.  Usage is measured by pulses, which are time-based limits of measure, metered at the relevant exchanges.  A set of pulse durations is established for each category of calls (i.e., local, domestic long distance or international long distance), and within each category, pulse durations vary depending on one or more of the following factors:  call distance; time of day; type of network on which the call is terminating (i.e. fixed, GSM cellular or CDMA mobile); destination country (for international long distance only); subscriber plan (for local calls only); and whether the call is within a circle or between two different circles (for domestic long distance only).  We estimate that based upon recent sample data, local calls constituted approximately 72.3%, STD calls approximately 27.1% and ISD calls approximately 0.7% of our total customer calls.  We are focused on increasing call volumes by promoting use of our value-added services and the use of long distance services.  In June 2008, we received a license to enter the international long distance service market.




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Interconnection.  We connect our network with BSNL and have entered into interconnect agreements with certain other licensed domestic long distance service carriers to provide our customers with domestic long distance service and intend to pass traffic to these other providers also (we have been carrying our own traffic between Delhi and Mumbai since May 2006).  We connect our network with Tata Communications Limited and have entered into interconnect agreements with certain other licensed international long distance carriers to provide our customers with international long distance service.  We connect our network with the other basic, cellular operators and Unified Access Service Providers in Mumbai and Delhi to offer our customers comprehensive access in our coverage areas.  The terms and conditions of our interconnect arrangements are governed by regulations of the TRAI and interconnect agreements that we have with many of these other operators.  The TRAI is also responsible for ensuring technical compatibility among operators.  Effective May 1, 2003, under the authority’s interconnection usage charges regulation, interconnect charges have been established for all major types of interconnection based on a “calling party pays” principle.  See “—License Fees and Network Utilization/Interconnection Arrangements” and “—Telecommunications Regulation in India” below.




CapacityUpgrades and Achievements/Recently Introduced Services




We have been focusing on the expansion of existing mobile and broadband services in both Delhi and Mumbai to provide high speed internet, high quality video and new generation wireless services.  Recent additions included:




·
In fiscal year 2008, we commissioned a state of art IP/MPLS core network in Delhi and Mumbai to provide a converged IP network for all services. To take advantage of this IP network and to improve the services we have worked on the expansion of this network in the 2012 fiscal year and deployed around 10 Core + 70 edge & aggregate routers in Delhi and 10 Core + 67 edge & aggregate routers in Mumbai leading to creation of around 50 POPs ( Point of presence) each in  Delhi and Mumbai.




·
To bring optical fiber near/to subscriber’s premises in order to meet the ever increasing bandwidth demand of customers we are adding optical fiber in the access network and are deploying FTTH based on GPON. This will enable us to provide access to this latest technology to our customers with very high bandwidth. We have already commercially launched the data services on FTTH. Voice services on FTTH should be launched soon.





·
The DoT has directed all Service Providers to migrate IPv4 to IPv6 enabled network latest by December 2011. IPv6 migration was a challenging task as we have many legacy networks and equipments for various Line of Business i.e. Broadband, Wireless, Leased Circuit etc. Accepting this challenge we took proactive steps and successfully achieved the objective.





Services Under Development





We plan to add one million lines in new switching capacity including capacity for WLL and GSM and 40,000 KMs of optical fiber in Delhi and Mumbai during the 2013 fiscal year.  Our other plans include:





3G Network Up gradation:  We are planning to upgrade our 3G network to HSPA+. At present our 3G network is HSDPA with download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps and uploads speed up to 384 Kbps. After up gradation download speed up to 21.1 Mbps and upload speed up to 5.76 Mbps will be supported by the network.





Expansion of GSM / 3G RF network for improvement of network coverage: For meeting immediate networks requirement, we plan to add around  580 Node-Bs & 300 BTSs in Delhi and 350 Nods-Bs & 200 BTSs in Mumbai along with requisite numbers of RNC, BSC and SGSN / GGSN up to 10 Gbps.




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Augmentation / Expansion of M/W Backhaul of GSM / 3G Networks:For meeting the augmented Data carrying requirement of 3G network, the M/W backhaul of GSM / 3G networks will be augmented / expanded. The expansion involve deployment of new 100 / 200 Mbps and up gradation of existing 4E1 / 16E1 / SDH TDM M/W links to 100 Mbps Hybrid M/W links capable of up gradation up to 400 Mbps. The proposed up gradation will also enable us to share backhaul with other operators on commercial basis.





Femtocell deployment -For efficient utilization of spectrum and off loading it up to certain extent (as it is a scarce national resource), we plan to deploy Femtocell which is a small cellular base station specially designed for use in residential and small business environments. Femtocell connects to the service providers’ network via broadband (such as DSL or Cable) such that the 3G Wireless Network traffic is carried by Broadband network.




·
MTNL-STPI IT Services Limited: This is a 50:50 Joint Venture between Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) and us. This JV formed in 2006, combines STPI’s experience as an ISP and our track record to offer niche portal services to the Indian community. The JV aims to provide exclusive data center services, messaging services, business application services to the identified sectors of economic activity and thereby also popularizing the .in domain in the networked community across the world.  The JV has also decided to establish green data center of Tier-III standard at Delhi and Hyderabad. MSITS has floated RFP and identified consultant for establishing Green Data Center.




Telecommunications Services in Other Countries




We have been selectively targeting expansion opportunities outside India where we hope to leverage our expertise and relationships in an effort to expand our overseas operations.  Currently we are in the process of exploring the potential in a few Asian and African countries.  United Telecom Limited, a joint venture involving us (26.68%), Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (26.66%), VSNL (now Tata Communications Limited) (26.66%) and Nepal Ventures Private Limited (20%), provides wireless in local loop services as well as basic, mobile, NLD, ILD and data services, as the first private-sector telecommunications operator in Nepal.  As of April 2012, the customer base was approximately 610,000.  Through our Mauritius subsidiary, Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (MTML), we provide basic and international long distance service as well as mobile services in Mauritius and have begun to offer fixed wireless services, mobile services, international long distance services and Internet services and have approximately 124,000 customers as at March 31, 2012.  We intend to continue the build out of our network there to provide additional services and are seeking to expand the capacity of the core network.




Revenues




Fixed-Line Services.  Tariffs, or usage charges, consist of charges for local, domestic long distance and international calls.  Usage is measured by pulses, which are time-based units of measure, metered at the relevant exchanges.  Pulses vary, depending on one or more factors.  Local call pulse duration depends upon the type of network on which the call is terminating (i.e., fixed, GSM cellular or CDMA mobile) and the subscriber plan chosen, while domestic long distance call pulse duration depends upon the call distance, type of network on which the call is terminating and whether the call is within a regional circle or between two circles.  International call pulse duration varies depending upon the country of destination.  For operator assisted domestic and international calls, a slab system of tariffs applies which differs depending upon the speed at which the call is completed.  The subscriber is billed at a fixed price per pulse that depends upon the subscriber plan chosen and usage volume (low usage customers are offered a lower price per pulse).  We currently offer several fixed-line plans, tailored to meet the needs of different user profiles.




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For fixed-line services, customers also pay access charges consisting of a one-time refundable security deposit, installation charges and monthly subscription/rental charges.




We have adopted a policy not to reduce our basic tariffs and related charges unless in a response to tariff reductions by competitors.  However, since the 1999 tariff order, the TRAI has in several stages significantly reduced tariffs on domestic and international long distance calls. Because we retain the remainder of prices of domestic and international long distance calls originating on our network, net of interconnect charges, by lowering long distance rates the tariff reductions have reduced the revenue we receive per call.  While these rate reductions have been part of a “rebalancing” effort aimed at reducing cross-subsidization between long distance (historically priced at a premium) and local calls (historically subsidized) and at the same time phasing out subsidization of local calls, the negative impact of the long distance rate reductions have to date outweighed any positive impact of other aspects of the tariff rebalancing effort In 2006, we substantially reduced the STD tariff.  We introduced local call charges between Delhi and Mumbai for Basic to WLL(M) of our network. In 2008, we reduced STD tariff as local tariff to MTNL Delhi for our GSM postpaid and prepaid subscribers of the Mumbai service area.  For other locations, the STD pulse rate was increased from 30 seconds to 60 seconds for fixed and CDMA networks and the STD rate for cellular service was reduced from Rs.1.30 to 0.40 and from Rs.1.25 to 0.60 per minute for Mumbai and Delhi.




Since October 2004, we have been continuously reducing ILD tariffs for customers.  We reduced the ILD tariff on a regular basis for our GSM postpaid and prepaid subscribers effective as of January 26, 2011 for Delhi and as of September 29, 2010 for Mumbai. During the 2012 fiscal year we have decided to increase our ILD tariff due to high rate of Carriage charge both for our Basic Subscribers and Mobile Subscribers.




GSM Cellular Services.  We offer our GSM cellular subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai a choice of several plans, tailored to meet the needs of different user profiles.  One of the plans is the standard plan, which, under TRAI regulations, we are required to offer all customers and the terms of which the authority establishes.  Generally, in addition to call charges for local and long distance calls, our plans include the following types of charges: refundable, non-interest bearing security deposit; installation charges; monthly rental charges; and airtime charges.  Effective February 1, 2004, with the adoption by the TRAI of the interconnection usage charge regulation and the “calling party pays” principle, charges for incoming cellular calls (other than any roaming charges) have been eliminated.  In addition, we provide the following value-added services free to all our GSM cellular subscribers: national roaming, call forwarding/divert, call hold, call waiting, caller identification, conference call facility and WAP rental.




However, airtime charges on use apply to these services.  In addition, we offer our GSM cellular subscribers value-added services like SMS, voice mail, WAP, CRBT, GPRS/MMS, missed call alert and content-based SMS for a fee.




In fiscal year 2002, we introduced pre-paid GSM cellular services under the brand name “Trump” in Delhi and Mumbai.  This market is also highly competitive, with rates changing with market conditions.




Dual Technology Permission under CMTS License.  In October 2007, the Government announced its policy to grant permission to use dual technology spectrum under the existing UAS/CMTS licenses.  We requested the DoT to allow us to use both GSM and CDMA technology under our existing CMTS license.  In April 2008, we received in-principle approval to used CDMA technology under our CMTS license for Delhi and Mumbai service areas, and conveyed to the DoT our acceptance for such use, in addition to GSM technology being used by us, under the existing CMTS license for such service areas.




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In accepting our request, the DoT issued Amendment to License Agreements regarding spectrum allocation using dual technology for Delhi and Mumbai services areas.  We can now provide roaming services to CDMA subscribers.




Broadband Service.  We started offering Broadband service in January 2005 to subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai with choice of several plans, tailored to meet the needs of different user profiles.  Generally, in addition to usage charges for usage and data download, our plans include the following types of charges:  non-interest bearing security deposit; installation and testing charges; monthly DSL usage charges, monthly rental for modem, if provided by us.




NLD Service.  In May 2006, we were awarded a license for providing national long distance (NLD) service.  Since June 2006, we have been carrying traffic between Mumbai and Delhi on leased bandwidth on our own domestic long distance network.




Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).  We started offering IPTV service in October 2006 to subscribers in Mumbai and in November 2006 to subscribers in Delhi.




Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).  We started offering Prepaid VoIP service in August 2007 to subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai.




Infrastructure Providers.  In June 2007, we registered with the DOT for providing Infrastructure Provider Category-1 (IP-1).  Companies registered as IP-1 can provide products such as Dark Fiber, Right of Way, Duct space and Tower.




MPLS Services (Multi-Protocol Label Switching).  In July 2007, we launched MLPS Service.  MPLS is a backbone for our various IP based services.  Keeping with our policy to introduce modern and latest technologies at affordable rates to our customers, we utilize IP based MPLS technology to offer the most current IP-VPN (Virtual Private Network) services.  MPLS was developed to provide faster data packet movement than traditional IP routing.  This technology enables secure VPN to be built and allows scalability that will make it possible for us to offer assured growth to our customers without having to make significant investments.  We are now geared to provide bandwidth on demand, IPTV, video conferencing, VoIP and many other value added services that could significantly change the way a corporate business operates.




Video Phone Services.  We launched Video Phone Services on a regular basis in April 2008 for the Mumbai service area.




ILD Service.  In June 2008, we received a license to provide international long distance (ILD) service.ILD Service has to be launched within three years from the date of license.  However the DOT has granted extension of one  year to roll outs ILD service on our request.




3G Services.  By letter, dated August 8, 2008, the DoT earmarked spectrum and frequencies  for broadband wireless access on a trial basis.  We launched 3G services for the Delhi area in February 2009 and for the Mumbai service area in June 2009.  The salient features are as follows:




·
making video calls,


·
the HSDPA card on offer will support data download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps, data upload speeds up to 384 Kbps and SMS services and


·
it will be downward compatible, i.e. it will support 2.75 and 2.5G data services.




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“Pay per second” plans.  In December 2009, we introduced “pay per second” plans for GSM service in the Delhi and Mumbai service areas.  Competitive reasons and market conditions led us and other operators to offer these plans.




BlackBerry Services. Effective April 24, 2010, we introduced 2G and 3G BlackBerry unlimited data plan and reduced the cost of handset for Delhi.  We had previously introduced BlackBerry services on a promotional basis.  Our BlackBerry Service provides the user with wireless access to a full suite of business applications like email, phone, SMS, MMS, browser, organizer, instant messenger, social networking and more, on a single BlackBerry Smartphone.




Leaseline Services:  In May 2005, we implemented leased line tariff at par with BSNL under revised tariff ceilings prescribed by the TRAI.






CDMA Services.  For CDMA mobile services, including the use of a CDMA handset, our subscribers are charged a refundable security deposit, a monthly charge and a monthly handset rental, in addition to airtime charges.  We have not charged users for incoming calls.  We offer our CDMA mobile subscribers a choice of several plans, tailored to meet the needs of different user profiles.  Following commissioning in July 2006 of CDMA 20001X system in Mumbai, which has mobility between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, we provide the following value added services free to all our CDMA subscribers: call hunting, call waiting, caller identification, STD/ISD dynamic lock, call forwarding, three-party conference, abbreviated dialing, voice mail service, Internet connectivity, data card for Internet connectivity, conference call and dynamic locking.




We started new Garuda (CDMA) mobile connection by giving RUIM cards for postpaid/prepaid Garuda connections since April 2007 to subscribers in Delhi and since December 2007 to subscribers in Mumbai.




We offer different tariff plans and value added services to cater to and fulfill the need of the various segments of customers.




Revenue from equity affiliates




On July 21, 2001, we entered into a joint venture arrangement with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited, VSNL and Nepal Venture Private Limited to form United Telecom Limited (UTL). UTL was formed to provide wireless in local loop (“WLL”) services in Nepal. As of March 31, 2003, we had invested Rs.200 million in UTL in proportion to our 26.7% holding. In 2004, we invested Rs.33 million in UTL in proportion to our 26.7% holding.  In the 2007 fiscal year, we further invested Rs.56 million and during the 2010 fiscal year, we invested Rs.69 million in proportion to our share. Our equity in the profit of the affiliate amounted to Rs.5 million for the 2009 fiscal year. Our equity in the loss of the affiliate amounted to Rs.6 million for the 2010 fiscal year; our equity in the profit of the affiliate amounted to Rs.15 million for the 2011 fiscal year and our equity in the profit of the affiliate amounted to Rs.16 million for the 2012 fiscal year. The carrying value of investment in UTL is Rs.221.86 million and Rs. 251.37 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.




On March 31, 2006, we established MTNL-STPI IT Services Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “STPI”), a 50-50 joint venture with Software Technology Parks of India, a society registered under the Ministry of Information Technology. The main objective of STPI is to undertake all such activities that are required to make the domain “India in” popular. The STPI data centering Chennai (formerly Madras) will provide services like messaging, web-hosting, application hosting and web-farming application.  STPI is in the process of recruiting its own professional staff from software industry.  As of March 31, 2012, our total investment in STPI was Rs.18.24 million.




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Other Services




For access to narrow-band ISDN services, we charge our subscribers a monthly rental and no registration fee.  Subscribers can also have primary rate access for an initial fee.  Usage charges for local, domestic long distance and international calls are the same as for the basic fixed-line telephone.




Tariffs charged by public telephone operators for telephone usage are at a fixed rate of Rs.1.00 per pulse, of 60 seconds for local calls and long distance pulse durations varying depending upon the distance.




We do not charge any registration fees for our Internet access services.  Our Internet access fees have been falling considerably in response to competitive pressures.  Internet users do not have to subscribe for Internet services.  They can access the service and later be billed on the basis of calling line identification usage.




Subscribers for point-to-point leased line services are charged an annual fee based on the type of service offered, the distance between the points and the duration of the lease entered into by the subscriber.




License Fees and Network Utilization/Interconnection Arrangements




License Fees and Network Utilization Charges.  The DoT periodically adjusts the license fees and network utilization charges.  The license fee had been revised at 10% of Adjusted Gross Revenue with effect from April 1, 2004. The license fee for the NLD (national long distance) and ILD (international long distance) service license which we have obtained is 6% of AGR. A license fee on Internet services of 6% of AGR has been in effect since January 2006.




Interconnection Usage Charges Regulation.  The TRAI established Interconnection Usage Charges (IUC) and Access Deficit Charges (ADC) regimes through “The Telecommunication Interconnection Usage Charges Regulation 2003” (1 of 2003) dated January 24, 2003. These regimes became effective in May 2003. The TRAI has modified these regimes through “The Telecommunication Interconnection Usage Charges Regulation, 2003” (4 of 2003), dated October 29, 2003, which became effective February 2004. The TRAI has subsequently modified these regulations by reason of its emphasis on consistent decline in tariffs to give sustained boost to subscriber growth and teledensity. As the teledensity in India has reached a level of more than 78.66% as of March 2012, the industry has achieved a major requirement of the country in terms of policy objectives.





Through the principal regulations and subsequent amendments a framework was established for initiation, continuance and phasing out of ADC through an elaborate consultative process.  The framework briefly described the ADC regime as a depleting regime that was phased out from October1, 2008 and, from the 2008 fiscal year, any further support required would be from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).





The latest amendment is IUC Regulation 2009 (2 of 2009) issued by the TRAI on March 9, 2009 and implemented effective from April 1, 2009.The salient features of this Regulation are as follows:




·
Termination charges for Local and NLD calls were reduced from Rs.0.30 to Rs.0.20 per minute.




·
Termination charges for incoming ILD calls were increased from Rs.0.30 to Rs.0.40 per minute.




·
TAX transit charges for intra circle calls are less than Rs.0.15 per minute instead of less than Rs.0.20 per minute.




·
Level II TAX transit charges for intra circle calls are Rs.0.15 per minute instead of less than Rs.0.20 per minute.




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In April 2012, the TRAI issued a consultation paper on “Review of Interconnection Usage Charges (IUC)”, and likely will issue new IUC regulations.  Though IUC are not directly related to retail tariff, they play a major role in determining the level of retail tariffs offered by service providers.  A number of factors, like increasing competition, massive growth of subscribers, changes in retail tariff and in the cost of providing service, and adoption of new technologies by the service providers necessitate periodic review of the IUC regimen.




Port Charges Regulation: In fiscal year 2007, the TRAI issued the Regulation on Port Charges (1 of 2007) and applicable from April 1, 2007, considerably reducing port charges.




As Regulation 1 of 2007 of TRAI in relation to payment of port charges was believed contrary to the judgment of the Hon’ble TDSAT, BSNL has filed an appeal against these regulations.  We also impleaded into this case.  On May 28, 2010, the Honorable TDSAT decreed its final judgment in favor of BSNL, but provided that BSNL would not be entitled to claim any amount in terms of the judgment from private telecom operators during the appeal period.  This condition is also applicable to us because we had supported BSNL’s appeal.  We have filed an appeal in Supreme Court challenging the proviso of the TDSAT decision and claiming that we are entitled to the payment by the private telecom operators towards port charges at the agreed rates and in terms of the interconnect agreements between the parties for this entire period.




Network Utilization and Interconnection with Other Operators.  The 1999 telecom policy permits direct interconnectivity between licensed cellular service providers and any other type of service provider (including another cellular service provider) in their area of operation, including sharing of infrastructure with any other type of service provider.  The cellular service providers have been allowed to directly interconnect with VSNL (now Tata Communications Limited) after opening of national long distance in January 2000.  Interconnectivity between service providers in different service areas is now governed by the July 2002 reference interconnect offer regulation and the May 2003 interconnection usage charges regulation.  With the interconnection usage charges regulation and related tariff changes, the TRAI introduced the calling pays principle, resulting in the elimination of customer charges (other than roaming charges) for incoming cellular calls.  The operator responsible for origination of a call bears liability for payment of the interconnect fees for transmission and/or termination.




We finalized the charges for network utilization and domestic long distance agreements with BSNL.  Until October 30, 2006, NLD carriage charges were paid as per TRAI IUC Regulation and effective November 2006 are at the negotiable rates.  These rates are not applicable to NLD for traffic between Delhi and Mumbai, which is routed on our own leased bandwidth.




We are responsible for collecting payments for calls from our subscribers and bear the risk of non-collection of these charges.  Until effectiveness in 2003 of the interconnection usage charges regulation, we did not receive any payments for calls coming into our network from BSNL’s network.  BSNL has also established its Trunk Automatic Exchanges (TAXs) at Delhi and Mumbai. All the other private operators of Delhi and Mumbai have established interconnection with these TAXs and consequently we have stopped transiting their long distance calls to minimize the risk of bad debts.




Long Distance Interconnect Arrangements. We have signed interconnect agreements with several private-sector domestic long distance service providers. Until March 2010, we had relied on BSNL to route substantially of our domestic long distance calls.  Since April 2010, we have been routing our long distance traffic through private NLD operators also on the basis of bidding process.




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International Long Distance Interconnect Arrangements.  Although we have signed interconnect agreements with several international long distance carriers, earlier we were routing all our international calls through VSNL (now Tata Communications Ltd).  In April 2009, on the basis of tender, or an open competitive bidding process, we allowed other private ILD operators to carry our outgoing international long distance traffic.  Now, international traffic is offered to ILD operators through a tender.




Interconnect Arrangements with Other Cellular, Basic Service Providers and Unified Access Service Providers in Mumbai and Delhi.  We have entered into interconnect agreements with the other cellular, Unified Access and basic service providers in Mumbai and Delhi to formalize our network integration with them.  In addition to usage-based interconnect charges, each cellular/unified/basic service operator in Delhi and Mumbai pays us an annual fee for lines leased from us to connect to our network.




Interconnection for Intelligent Network (IN) Service. The TRAI issued IN Regulations, 2006 (13 of 2006) dated November 27, 2006, which had to be implemented before February 27, 2007.




We signed the addenda to the interconnect agreement for IN service with Idea Cellular, Reliance Infocomm, Tata Teleservices, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Aircel, Unitech, Datacom (now Videocon Telecommunications Ltd) Etislat DB Telecom Private Limited, Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd., Quardrant Televentures Ltd (and for UAN services with Tata Teleservices), which enables the subscribers to access the toll free services of the other operators and vice versa.




However, IN agreements with a few private operators for bringing PAN-India calls, originated in their network, to our toll free numbers are yet to be signed as these operators are insisting on carriage charges for such types of calls in addition to the revenue share for IN calls to our toll free numbers.




The TRAI has taken a case regarding the payment of carrying charges in addition to the revenue share with private operators for bringing calls from their service areas outside Delhi and Mumbai.  We have conveyed to the TRAI that the payment of additional carriage charges to any operator is not acceptable to us.




Customers and Customer Service.  We classify our subscribers by use level and estimate that in the last three months of fiscal year 2012, approximately 5.30% of our access lines in service accounted for 40.31% of our call units.  The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our subscribers for the final three months of fiscal year 2012:




Average number of


Average call unitssubscribers per segment as


per segment as aSubscriber segments


a percentage of total


percentage of all(use of pulses on a bi-monthly basis)


Subscribers


metered calls0-100



49.95



4.15101-500



34.68



30.66501-1,000



10.06



24.881,001-2,000



4.07



19.482,001-5,000



1.06



10.60Greater than 5,000



0.17



10.23




Our general marketing strategy is to stimulate demand for telephone services in order to increase average usage and revenue per line in service.  We have identified high usage subscribers as “commercially important persons” and are taking initiatives to strengthen our relationship with these individuals.  These initiatives include regular visits and conducting surveys to obtain feedback and determine client-specific needs and introduce value-added services tailored to commercially important persons.  Also, in certain areas we have constructed a digital local loop network with better quality transmission dedicated for use by commercially important persons.  Some of the commercially important persons are also being connected to our network via fiber-in-local-loop technology.  We also use visual media and print advertising to educate the general public about our telephone services and other value-added services.




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No single subscriber accounted for more than 5% of our revenues in fiscal year 2010, 2011 or 2012. Government of India entities in the aggregate constitute the largest user of our services.  We deal, however, with the various departments and agencies of the government of India as separate subscribers and the provision of services to any one department or agency does not constitute a material part of our revenue.




Our subscribers are billed by mail or courier once every billing period. Subscribers with access to long distance service are billed monthly; subscribers with access to local services only are billed bi-monthly. We have introduced four billing cycles in respect of each billing period which enables us to bill different subscribers at different times in the billing period. Cycle billing reduces the burden on the billing system at any particular time of the month and provides more consistent cash flow.




Billing is computerized and processing takes place at decentralized bill processing facilities with printing at conversion billing facilities in Delhi and Mumbai for ease of operation and better handling of customer complaints.  A subscriber can inquire by an automated telephone service or at one of our customer service centers to determine the amount of his bill.  Payment may be made by mail or at a collection center such as a national bank or a customer service center.  Payments may also be made under our voluntary deposit scheme, where customers set up an interest bearing deposit with us, or under our electronic clearance system, where payment is directly debited from the subscriber’s bank account.  We have also introduced a program through which subscribers can pay bills through the Internet or at any of our Tele-mart centers.  We allow subscribers to pay bills using a credit card and at the post office, and plan to allow subscribers to pay bills at local merchants and through other mechanisms to improve bill collection and remittance.  We have also launched a new web-based service email bill alert for delivery of telephone bills on email.




We have developed our billing system jointly with Tata Consultancy Services in Delhi and Mumbai.  This billing system is a part of a customized software program known as a “customer service management system.” The billing system is an integrated revenue billing system, which includes pre-connection and post-connection services, accounting, billing collection and access to subscriber records.  Other benefits of this system are one point data capture for all subscribers, increased efficiency and reduction of lead time to process queries.  This system enables our staff to handle, at a single point of contact, various activities “on-line” such as registration of a new telephone connection, change of address and category, issuance of work orders, issuance of duplicate bills, requests for transfer of telephone for domestic long distance and international connectivity, collection of payments of bills, status of outstanding bills, and monitoring of subscriber complaints.




Payment is due within 21 days from the date of issue of the bill.  If the charges are not paid on time, we generally give a reminder by telephone after the due date, cut off all services after 35 days from the date of issue of the bill.  Subscribers with large amounts overdue may have their telecommunications services terminated earlier.  Subscribers are charged a surcharge on amounts overdue after 21 days (with maximum surcharge being Rs.2,000 and a reinstatement fee of Rs.100.The reinstatement fee was eliminated in Delhi as of October 1, 2006.




We provide operator assisted services, including value-added products such as wake-up calls, as well as operator connected and reverse charge calls to all of our subscribers.  In addition, we provide free operator assisted directory services.  Our strategy is to continue to enhance the level of subscriber satisfaction by increasing access to operators and improving the quality of subscriber interface, while also improving our operational efficiency and productivity.  We have also launched 3G, BlackBerry, Wi-Fi and Wi-max services during the year to sustain competition and provide better services to the customers.  We published a Delhi directory in March 1999 and a Mumbai directory in February 2000. Both of these directories are available free of charge on our website. We have introduced directory information on CD-ROMs, which are available for Rs.50 each, as well as an on-line directory inquiry service which is available to telephone users with personal computers and communication software.




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Our service centers also provide various types of services such as registration for new connections, shifting telephone connections, billing information and collection of bill payments.  We have customer service centers in many locations in both Delhi and in Mumbai.  Generally, three to five employees provide these services in each center.




Insurance




We maintain comprehensive insurance for our assets under a single comprehensive policy renewable annually.  The policy is renewed every year.  We do not anticipate having any difficulty in renewing our insurance policies and believe our insurance coverage is reasonable and consistent with industry standards in India.




Competition




One of the primary objectives of the DoT1999 telecom policy was to encourage competition within India’s telecommunications industry.  Accordingly, we have been encountering increased competition in each of our markets as existing and additional service providers actively seek to penetrate these markets through the introduction of high quality products and services.




In October 2008, we made a request to the DoT to permit us to use dual technology (both GSM and CDMA) under the existing CMTS license for the service areas of Delhi and Mumbai instead of migrating to UASL from a CMTS license.




The 1999 telecom policy allows the DoT to license, at its discretion, multiple additional basic and cellular service providers in any service area.  Under a UAS License, such competitors as Loop Mobile (formerly BPL Mobile), Reliance Communication (formerly Reliance Infocomm),  Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices Limited, Idea Cellular Ltd., Aircel Limited, Unitech Wireless Limited, Etisalat DB Telecom and Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd. are currently competing with us for Basic and GSM services in both Mumbai and Delhi.  All of these companies already have significant telecommunications infrastructure in Delhi and Mumbai, including, with respect to Tata Teleservices, Reliance Communication and Sistema Shyam in low-cost CDMA mobile and fixed wireless technology.




We experience significant competition in the market for GSM cellular services.  As of March 2012, we had approximately 6.79% and 8.12% of the mobile subscribers in Delhi and in Mumbai, respectively.  Our largest competitors in Delhi are Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular, Vodafone, Reliance, Tata, Aircel and Etisalat DB Telecom.  In Mumbai, our main competitors are Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, Loop Mobile, Idea Cellular, Aircel, Etisalat DB Telecom, Videocon and Uninor.  Cellular operators also face significant competition from rapidly growing CDMA-based mobile services, which are priced considerably lower than GSM cellular services.




In February 1999, we commenced providing our Internet services in Delhi and Mumbai.  The competition among Internet service providers throughout India is intense with approximately 175 licenses for providing Internet services issued as of March 31, 2012.




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In June 2008, we entered the international long distance business. Our revenues from international calls are adversely affected by competition from “call-back” services.  Call-back services were officially declared illegal by the Ministry of Communications in July 1995.  Nevertheless, the volume of international calls made from India through call-back services has continued to grow.




Increased competition, as well as significant consolidation of the telecommunications industry in India, has kept and will likely continue to keep downward pressure on prices and has required and will likely continue to require us to increase our capital investment to improve and expand our services.  These developments, in turn, have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our operating results.  In the tariff order, no minimum tariff levels are specified and service providers have the flexibility to determine the tariff below the maximum levels.  Our board of directors has decided not to reduce fixed line tariffs unless such a reduction is in response to a tariff reduction by a competitor.  However, the TRAI may prescribe minimum tariffs or prohibit providers from reducing tariffs in response to competition.  Additionally, the tariff order prescribes tariffs based on the estimated cost to provide particular services.  These estimates and corresponding tariffs may not accurately reflect our actual costs.




In order to compete with other basic and cellular operators and Internet service providers, we are increasingly focused on the timely introduction of new and improved products and services and pay increased attention to customer service.  An inability to compete effectively would also damage our longer-term business prospects through loss of customers and market share.




If recommendations on Internet Telephony for permission to ISPs are approved by the government of India, then calls may become cheaper and with increased competition in the Indian telecommunications industry.  These recommendations permit ISPs to provide Internet telephone calls to PSTN/PLMN and vice-versa within India; interconnection with NLD operators for unrestricted internet telephony; and permit NLD operators to connect with ISPs through public Internet.  See “Telecommunications Regulation in India - Internet Policy” below.




Mobile Number Portability




On September 23, 2009, the TRAI issued “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations (MNP), 2009” which allows subscribers to retain their existing mobile number when they move from one service provider to another service provider on payment of certain charges and on fulfilling certain other conditions.  Management believes that the movement of subscribers from one service provider to another service provider increases competition between the service providers and would act as a catalyst for the service providers to improve their quality of service. This could have a material effect both favorable and adverse on our business, financial condition and results of operations. At  March 31, 2012, the total number of porting request were approximately 1.75 million and 1.46 million in Delhi and Mumbai, respectively.




On November 20, 2009, the TRAI issued the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Per Port Transaction Charge and Dipping Charge Regulations, 2009 (9 of 2009). The salient features of the MNP under these regulations were as follows:




·
The Per Port Transaction charge is Rs.19/-.




·
The Dipping charge is left to mutual negotiation between the telecom service providers and the respective MNP service providers.




·
Porting charge, i.e. the amount to be paid by the subscriber, shall not be more than the per port transaction charge, i.e. Rs.19/-.  The operators are free to charge any amount less than or equal to this charge.




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The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2010




On December 1, 2010, the TRAI issued The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2010, which provide a wide choice to the customer.  The customer may choose the “partially blocked” category among seven categories, i.e., banking/insurance/financial products/credit cards; real estate; education; health; consumer goods and automobiles; communications/broadcast/entertainment/IT; and tourism and leisure.  Telemarketers are required to scrub the data before sending the SMSs/making the calls through their service provider’s network.  In addition, service providers are required to filter the data.  This two-stage screening is designed to stop any unsolicited calls/SMS.  Any defaulting telemarketer will be liable to pay penalties, ranging from Rs.25,000 for the first offense to Rs.250,000 for the sixth offense.  If an access provider is found to have violated these Regulations, it would be liable to pay, by way of financial disincentive, an amount of rupees one lakh for the first violation, Rs.five lakh for the second violation and rupees ten lakh for the third and subsequent violations. The DoT has not yet allocated the numbering resources for telemarketers from fixed line network.  This new numbering system is required to be implemented by all access providers before allocation of resources to telemarketers.  The TRAI will announce the date of implementation once the DoT finalizes the number series for telemarketing resources from fixed line network.




LEGAL PROCEEDINGS




Except as described below and except with respect to regulatory proceedings described elsewhere, we are not currently a party to any material legal or arbitration proceedings or disputes.




Deduction of Claim of Benefit U/S 80IA for New Undertakings.




Pursuant to section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961, a company which starts to operate telecommunication services at any time on or after April 1, 1995, but before March 31, 2000, is entitled to a tax holiday for a period of 10 years beginning with the year in which such services are started. Pursuant to the tax holiday, 100% of the profits derived from such services are exempt from tax in the first five years, and 30% of such profits are exempt from tax for the next five years. On the basis of advice from our legal counsel, we have historically claimed such benefit. Our claim have been rejected at the first appellate level and the case has been referred to the Committee of Disputes, which is a body formed by the Government to settle disputes between Government controlled undertakings and the Government. The Committee has referred the case to the Tax appellate authorities for reconsideration. During the 2006 fiscal year, the case has been set aside by the Income Tax Appellate Authority for the assessment years 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01 and 2002-03 and has referred the matter back to the Assessing Officer for a fresh assessment after hearing the case again. For the years ending up to and including March 31, 2006, considering that the benefit claimed by us in the above years may not be ultimately allowed by tax authorities, the provision for current taxes in these years had been accounted in the basis of normal tax rates. During the 2007 fiscal year the assessing officer has made fresh assessment for calculation of deduction under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 and allowed partial benefit to us. We have filed appeals against that partial allowance to the higher authority. Also refer to Note 25iii(b)(ii) to notes to the consolidated financial statements in this report.




During the 2008 fiscal year, we received refunds from Income Tax Authority in respect of penalty levied for the 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002 fiscal years.  These penalties pertained to the claims we had made under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act.  The income tax department refunded the penalty amount together with the interest thereon which we had accounted for in our statement of income for the 2008 fiscal year.




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During the 2009 fiscal year, the Assessing Officer allowed partial refunds in respect of deductions under section 80IA for assessment years 2001-02 and 2003-04.




During the 2010 fiscal year, the Honorable ITAT allowed deduction under section 801A for six assessment years (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2005-06) to exempt up to 75% of the income we earned from services.  The Income Tax Authorities have refunded the tax amount of Rs.2,819 million (including interest of Rs.1,361.84) for assessment year 1998-99, and the claims for the rest of the years were pending.




During the 2011 fiscal year, the Income Tax Authorities refunded the aggregate tax amount of Rs.13,766 million (including interest of Rs.7,310 million) for assessment years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03.  We also filed a further appeal with the Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL which is similarly situated.




During the 2012 fiscal year, the appeals for the claim under section 80IA for the 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2005-06 assessment years have been admitted by the Hon’ble High Court.  Another appeal for the 2004-05 assessment year under section 80IA claim has been filed before Hon’ble High Court and also been admitted.  All above appeals/cases are now pending for regular hearing before Hon’ble High Court.  During the 2012 fiscal year, Income Tax authorities has refunded Rs.3,507.43 million on account of rectification of refund orders issued for the 1998-99 and 2001-02 assessment years.




Disputes with BSNL




In accordance with the Interconnect Usage Charges Regulations, we accounted for networking charges payable to BSNL amounting to Rs.6,924 million and Rs.3,627 million for the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years, respectively.  However BSNL had raised a bill for the interconnection charges for the calls originating from our network and terminating/transiting at/from BSNL amounting to Rs.12,165 million and Rs.8,030 million for the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years, respectively.  Our contention was that the claim was not adequately supported by BSNL and hence not accepted by us.




In the absence of an interconnection agreement, we had provided NLD/ILD access charges for the period ended March 31, 2002 at the rates lower than those demanded by BSNL. Subsequent to the 2004 fiscal year, in a meeting held among the DoT, BSNL and us, the rates for NLD calls for the 2002 fiscal year were agreed upon, and accordingly we have accounted additional liability of Rs.233 million during the 2004 fiscal year.  We may be required to pay ILD access charges amounting to Rs.195 million for the period April 1, 2001 to January 31, 2002 on the settlement of the dispute with BSNL.




During the 2006 fiscal year, the DoT constituted a three member committee from its Telecommunications Department comprising the Member (Production), Member (Finance), and Deputy Director General (Business Solution) to resolve the issues relating to networking charges. Based on the recommendations of the Committee in their minutes dated January 2006, the networking charges payable to BSNL for the years March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2005 have been settled at Rs.14,078 million as against Rs.10,551 million.  Further, the Committee has also settled networking charges for the 2000 to 2003 fiscal years in the meeting held in January 2006. Accordingly, an amount of Rs.3,809 million (including the incremental charge of Rs.3,527 million for the 2004 and 2005 fiscal years) has been accounted as networking charges in the statement of operations for the 2006 fiscal year.




Subsequent to the 2006 fiscal year, meetings have been held between BSNL and us wherein BSNL has raised additional claims for the year up to March 31, 2005 aggregating Rs.2,007 million and claims amounting to Rs.5,670 million for the 2006 fiscal year on account of networking and others charges. As against these claim for the 2006 fiscal year, we have accounted Rs.4,040 million for networking charges payable to BSNL.




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Our contention is that since all claims relating to networking and other charges for the period up to March 31, 2005 have already been settled in accordance with the minutes of the DoT committee held on January 2006 and the claims for the 2006 fiscal year were not adequately supported by the BSNL, and hence not accepted by us.  Further, as we are in the process of discussing/reconciling with BSNL its claims for the 2006 fiscal year and may be required to pay an additional amount based on the final settlement, however such payments will not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Management believes that an adverse outcome in respect of the above is unlikely.  Therefore, the difference amount of above claims of Rs.3,637 million has been shown as contingent liability.  In addition, the Delhi Unit has accounted for the expenditure on account of telephone bills of service connections raised by BSNL towards us for the period from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2006 in the amount of Rs.98.01 million on the basis of actual reimbursement made for subsequent periods against the disputed claim of Rs.312.72 million, since no details/justifications have been received from BSNL in spite of repeated requests.  The balance amount of Rs.214.72 million is shown as a contingent liability.




During the 2008 fiscal year, we raised claims against BSNL for duct charges and TAX usage charges amounting to Rs.515 million and Rs.546 million, respectively.  We have not recognized these claims as income in our statement of operations considering the history of other disputed claims with BSNL, that currently there is no separate agreement for these services and that BSNL has not accepted these claims.




During the 2009 fiscal year, we raised claims against BSNL for duct charges and tax usage charges amounting to Rs.522.12 million and Rs.1,223.55 million, respectively.  We have not recognized these claims as income in our statement of operations as BSNL has rebutted such claims.




During the 2010 fiscal year, we raised charges on BSNL amounting to Rs.403.17 million for infrastructure and for electricity and other charges amounting to Rs.86.12 million, which BSNL has not rebutted.  Management believes that the income claimed will be recoverable from BSNL.  Accordingly, these amounts have been recognized as income in our statement of operations.  Further, during the 2010 fiscal year, we had raised claims against BSNL for tax usage charges amounting to Rs.700.83 million.  We have not recognized these claims as income in our statement of operations due to absence of any interconnect agreement with BSNL.




During the 2011 fiscal year, we increased infrastructure charges to BSNL amounting to Rs.586.65 million and Rs.184.91 million for electricity and other  charges, which have not been rebutted by BSNL. No tax usage charges has been billed to BSNL since BSNL has installed its own Trunk Automatic Exchange.




During the 2012 fiscal year, amounts of Rs.868.65 million and Rs.190.58 million have been accounted for as Infrastructure Usage charges for using our various office building and spaces and for property tax, electricity, water and fuel charges, respectively.




Disputes with the DOT




Upon our formation, employees were deputed to us on deemed deputation status from the DoT and we were required to contribute for the Leave Salary and Pension Contribution (“LSPC”) pursuant to the rates prescribed by the Government (11% for leave salary and 14% for pension contribution).  We had accrued for these expenses amounting to Rs.2,885 million for the period 1986 to 1998, and subsequently paid them to the DoT.




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During the 2006 fiscal year, a Committee was set up to examine the amount of LSPC contributions payable by us to the DoT. The Committee concluded that an additional amount of Rs.656 million was payable on account of short payment of the LSPC contribution and an amount of Rs.1,738 million is payable on account of interest payable on delayed payment of the LSPC contributions.  We accepted the claim of the DoT for Rs.656 million and we had expensed it in our statement of income for the 2006 fiscal year.  In respect of Rs.1,738 million, we have contested the claim from the DoT on the contention we had abided by the DoT’s decision at all stages and deposited substantial sums as required.  During the 2009 fiscal year, the DoT had requested various information from us, which we supplied to the respective units of the DoT.  In connection with this, the terms and conditions as laid down in fundamental rules and service rules (FRSR) of the government of India with regard to prior intimation of calculation of contribution of the pension amount have not been communicated to us, and management believes that an adverse outcome in respect of the above is unlikely.




License fees payable to the DoT are calculated on the AGR accounted for on accrual basis in respect of both revenue and revenue sharing with all other operators.  As regards the directions of Supreme Court in respect of calculation of License Fees and AGR the matter has been referred back to TDSAT and is pending with regard to the AGR calculations, etc, in cases of other operators where demands had already been raised by the DoT.  However, we are  not a party to the dispute and the AGR is calculated as per License Agreement and in case of BSNL the same is done on netting of receivables and payables by us and the same issue of revenue sharing with BSNL the issue has been taken up with the DoT.  The impact of Rs.1,403.60 million on this account has been shown as contingent liability in the 2012 fiscal year, although there is no demand from the DoT at this stage in view of on-going assessment of license fees paid by us for the 2008 fiscal year and onward as a conservative approach by us.




Other Disputes




In 1998, M&N Publications(now GETIT Informediary Pvt. Ltd.) made claims against us for Rs.5,415 million.  These claims arose out of contracts for the printing of telephone directories for Delhi and Mumbai, and include claims for loss of reputation and loss of business opportunities.  We asserted counterclaims of Rs.4,169 million against M&N Publications for failure to perform the contracts. These claims are pending before a sole arbitrator.  The last hearing was held in March  2012 when the Arbitrator reserved the matter for award. We believe that we have valid defenses to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.




In the 2005 fiscal year, Alcatel brought claims against us aggregating Rs.169.16 million (including interest from 1996 on the claims made of Rs.127.87 million) as of March 31, 2012.  These claims arose out of contracts for supply of digital local telephone exchange equipment, and include claims for loss of reputation and loss of business opportunity.  The claims are pending in arbitration.  The case is at the stage of examination of witnesses and last hearing was held in May 2012. We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.




We have received claims aggregating Rs.481.82 million (including interest) as of March 31, 2012 from various PRM service providers (World Phone, Voice Infotech and ITC). These claims arose from the contracts for PRM services, which were started in the 2000 fiscal year.  We had not paid commission payable for these services to these providers, as the amount was subsequently not recovered from the subscribers. The claims include Rs.119 million towards loss of profit and wasteful expenditure incurred by the parties. An arbitration award of Rs.112.55 million, plus interest, was made in the World Phone claim, which both we and World Phone appealed to the Delhi High Court.  These appeals are pending. The matter in respect of World Phone case is now listed in the category of “Finals” and shall be taken up at its own turn. In case of M/s Voice Infotech no proceeding happened since March 2007 and also in case of M/s ITC no proceeding took place since July 2006. We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.




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We have received claims from CMC Limited aggregating Rs.741.07 million (including interest) as of March 31, 2012.  These claims arose out of the usage of leased circuits for which we have charged them rent for CUG services pursuant to the revised tariff plan which is disputed by CMC Limited.  These claims include claims for loss of reputation, business opportunity and undue harassment aggregating to Rs.220 million.  We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and, based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.




We have received claims from M/s Haryana Telecom aggregating Rs.196 million (including interest) as of March 31, 2012 for a dispute in respect of reduction of notified rates for supply of PIJF cables to us against DOT T.E. No. 14-21/94-MMT(MMS), which claims also seeks interest at the rate of 24% per annum from June 1997 through the date of payment.  There have not been any proceedings in this case since 2009.  Pleadings in this case are complete and the matter is pending for final argument. We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.




Additionally, as of March 31, 2012, we were also involved in other law suits and claims amounting to Rs.8,438 million pending with various authorities regarding service tax, sales tax, lease disputes and other matters which arose in the ordinary course of the business. Management believes that we have valid defenses against these claims and adverse outcomes are unlikely. These lawsuits and claims would not have a material adverse effect upon our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.




Dispute with Other Operator




We have received a claim of Rs.3,921 million (including interest) from Reliance Infocom.  The case dates back to the 2005 fiscal year when we noticed that a very large number of calls had been received from certain levels of another operator’s network.  On further investigation and analysis, we concluded that these were actually ILD calls, which were being received on Local/NLD trunks and that the CLIs (Caller line Identification) of these calls had been tampered with by Reliance Infocom.  We raised a demand on Reliance Infocom based on the relevant penal clauses of its agreement aggregating Rs.3,412 million for a period of six months beginning April 2004.  Reliance Infocom disputed the above claim and under repeated threats of disconnection, obtained a stay order from High Court of Delhi.  After hearings, the High Court directed Reliance Infocom to pay Rs.2,368 million to us.  During the 2006 fiscal year, Reliance Infocom under direction from the High Court has further deposited Rs.1,040 million with us.  The petition filed by Reliance Infocom before the High Court was dismissed as withdrawn with a liberty for Reliance Infocom to take steps in accordance with the law.  The matter is presently pending with the Hon’ble Court/TDSAT.  We believe that we have strong defense and we will not have to repay amount received from Reliance Infocom.




Item 4C.  Organizational Structure




We are controlled by the Indian government and are not part of any group.




We have no subsidiaries which are considered “significant subsidiaries”.




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Item 4D.  Property, Plants and Equipment




Infrastructure




We believe that we have created one of the most technologically advanced networks in India.  Our network capacity is growing rapidly, and as of March 31, 2012 we had a total capacity of approximately 12.46 million lines.




We operate entirely separate but similar networks in each of Delhi and Mumbai.  Each network comprises a switching and transmission network, which we refer to as our “switching network” and a local loop network.  The local loop network principally consists of copper wire based lines, connecting subscribers to the main exchanges or the remote line units.  A number of subscribers are connected to the switching network via fiber-optic cable and wireless-in-local-loop technology.  The switching network includes the trunk automatic exchanges, which are used for routing domestic long distance and international calls, the main switching exchanges, through which all calls are routed, and remote line units, which are connected to the main exchanges.  The local loop network comprises all connections between the main exchanges or the remote line units and the subscriber.  Subscribers are either connected directly to the main exchanges or, depending upon the distance from the main exchanges, via remote line units.  All domestic long distance traffic, including traffic between Delhi and Mumbai, is routed through BSNL’s network.




Overview of Our Network




As of March 31,2008


2009


2010


2011


2012DelhiAccess lines in service (access lines in service) (thousands)


3,181



3,586



3,942



4,190



4,449Equipped capacity (thousands) (1)


5,135



5,135



5,847



6,347



6,347Number of exchanges:TAXs (2)


4



4



4



4



4Main exchanges and RLUs (3)


342



344



342



352



368Digital lines (thousands) (1)


5,135



5,135



5,847



6,347



6,347Digitalization rate (4)


100
%


100
%


100
%


100
%


100
%MumbaiAccess lines in service (access lines in service) (thousands)


4,028



4,470



4,649



4,753



4,841Equipped capacity (thousands) (1)


4,734



5,734



6,092



6,544



6,138Number of exchanges:
 TAXs (2)


4



4



4



4



4Main exchanges and RLUs (3)


210



216



212



222



229Digital lines (in thousands) (1)


4,734



5,734



6,092



6,544



6,138Digitalization rate (4)


100
%


100
%


100
%


100
%


100
%




(1)
Represents lines that are connected to digital switches.




(2)
TAX means trunk automatic exchange, a switch that routes calls to BSNL’s domestic fixed-line network and VSNL’s international gateways.




(3)
RLU means remote line units, which are switches that connect a subscriber to the main exchange.




(4)
Percentage of total equipped capacity that consists of digital lines.




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Switching Equipment




All of our exchanges are fully automated and our switching capacity is 100% digital.  As of March 31, 2012, our switching network consisted of 368 nodes in Delhi and 229 nodes in Mumbai.  Each node has a capacity of between 1,000 and 100,000 lines.




As of March 31, 2012, there were 93 main exchanges and 273 remote line units in Delhi and 70 main exchanges and 159 remote line units in Mumbai.  Because one or more main exchanges in each node are connected to one or more main exchanges in every other node, traffic is routed in a “mesh” configuration.  We have also installed high capacity tandem switches in Delhi and Mumbai to more efficiently route traffic between exchanges.  A majority of calls to our main exchanges are now being routed through the tandem switch to another node.  This has resulted in a more integrated network and has reduced the amount of capital expenditure required to install additional capacity in our switching network.




Each node is connected to each trunk automatic exchange.  Interconnection to basic service providers, private cellular operators and Internet service providers is provided by dedicated access to the main exchanges or tandem switches.  Our entire switching network is connected by fiber optic links.




Transmission




Our transmission network has considered largely of plesiochronous digital hierarchy, or PDH, and synchronous digital hierarchy, or SDH, optical fiber.  PDH and SDH are transmission standards for digital signal transmission.  However, in order to improve and upgrade our network efficiency, we are replacing our old PDH transmission network with SDH.




Access Network




We construct our access network with copper cable, which is extended to distribution points to terminate connections.  We have commenced deploying five pair underground cable into subscribers’ premises where an internal distribution point is installed.  We believe this access network will reduce the number of telephone poles and improve reliability of the service.




We have also implemented fiber-to-the-curb/building access and offer increased bandwidth for business and high usage subscribers.  Fiber-to-the-curb/building is also intended to supplement existing copper wire with optic fiber.  We have provided digital loop carriers, or DLCs, for this purpose.




We have installed wireless-in-local-loop services using CDMA technology where feasible in Delhi and Mumbai as a substitute for fixed-line access to enhance basic service penetration, provide quicker installation and cover areas where the installation of cable would not be economical.




Quality of Our Network




We are meeting most of the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for PSTN, GSM, CDMA, Internet and Broadband services, which are prescribed by the TRAI. These are comparable with other telecom service providers based upon various QoS reports issued from time to time by the TRAI.





QoS improvement is a continuous process. For further improvement in QoS, we have undertaken the following steps:





·
Improving the legacy PSTN Network by change of cables, drop wires, punching of DPs / Pillars, replacement of old instruments, etc. as required.


·
Rehabilitating outdoor network to reduce fault rate and MTTR.


·
Introducing latest digital/new generation/optical technologies.


·
Planning to RSUs to reduce the last mile loop length wherever required.


·
Inspecting O/D network and indoor plants on regular basis for improvement of services.


·
In cellular network measures like BTS addition, capacity augmentation and upgrades, antenna tilting, optimization of network and drive test are undertaken on a continuous basis. Indoor building solutions using Micro BTSs/Boosters in buildings wherever the signals are required to be improved.




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We conduct an ongoing program to improve the quality of services offered.  Our principal quality measures are call completion rate and fault rate.  The table below shows the quality improvements over the past five years.  We achieved this primarily by focusing on improvements to our switching network.  Part of our local loop network is comprised of old paper core copper cables, which are a principal cause of network faults.  We are in the process of upgrading and replacing copper access lines and believe that this has had a positive impact on call completion rates and fault rates.




Year Ended March 31,2008


2009


2010


2011


2012Fault rate/100 (1)

Telephones/month:Delhi


6.5



6.7



7.7



6.4



6.9Mumbai


9.3



9.1



7.3



8.5



7.0Call completion rate (2)DelhiLocal calls


52.8



50.5



53.0



61.4



60.4Domestic long distance calls


43.5



48.4



48.7



51.1



52.7MumbaiLocal calls


54.4



53.2



53.9



58.7



59.8Domestic long distance calls


45.6



48.9



50.7



49.8



53.1




(1)
The fault rate is calculated by dividing the total number of verified customer complaints of malfunctioning telephone equipment and services by the total number of access lines in service and multiplying the result by 100.




(2)
The call completion rate was measured on the basis of actual calls completed.  Call completion rates measured on this basis are lower than if measured on a free-to-free test basis since calls that are not answered because the recipient’s line is engaged or where the network cannot complete the call because of congestion are deemed incomplete.  Call completion rates measured on different bases are not comparable.




Suppliers




In carrying out our development program, we have used a core group of international equipment suppliers to purchase key switching equipment in order to maintain technological compatibility while simultaneously decreasing dependence on any one vendor.  We believe that we have developed stable relationships with our suppliers.




Development Activities




Development activities are carried out by a planning group in each of the Delhi and Mumbai operations, with overall planning activity coordinated at the corporate office in Delhi.  The main focus of each planning group is the expansion of existing services, the development of new services and the introduction of new technologies that are tested for their reliability, compliance with internal and DoT technical specifications and compatibility with our network.




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Network Modernization




We have historically planned our capital expenditures on five-year programs that are subject to approval by the DoT and the Planning Commission of the Indian government.  The Eleventh five-year plan covering the period from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2012 has recently been completed. In drafting the  12th Five Year Plan, we have put a major emphasis on expansion and technology up gradation.  Generally, five-year plan investment targets are much higher than actual investment levels.  Additionally, rapid changes in communications technology and customer preferences render detailed investment planning for five years impossible.




Our current estimate for capital expenditures for fiscal year 2013 is Rs.2,004 million; however, based on our experience in past years, we expect that the actual amount of capital expenditures for the year will be less than our estimate.




The following table shows our network-related capital expenditures for the periods indicated:




(Rs. in million)

Year Ended March 31,2008


2009


2010


2011


2012Local switching and access lines (including CDMA)/Transmission/network modernization/expansion abroad


5,107



5,098



4,955



8,959



775Information technology


52



817



281



87



137Land, buildings and vehicles


926



790



889



1,672



363Build-out of GSM cellular networks


3,239



2,006



5,955



1,853



4603G and BWA license fees


-



-



110,980



-



-Total


9,324



8,711



123,060



12,571



1,735




We have funded our recent capital expenditures to the extent incurred, and intend to fund the remaining capital expenditures, primarily from cash flow from operations and existing cash balances.  Our capital expenditures may be higher as we introduce international long distance service, if demand for our GSM cellular service or CDMA-based mobile service is higher than anticipated or if we otherwise enter new markets or provide additional services.




Properties




Our principal executive offices are located in Delhi and are leased from the Life Insurance Corporation of India.  We have interests in various properties in Delhi and Mumbai that consist of land and buildings for offices, administrative centers and technical facilities.  We believe that all of our owned and leased properties are well maintained and adequate for their present use.




In 1987, the assets and properties of the DoT located in Delhi and Mumbai were transferred to us by an order of the government of India and a deed of sale with a consideration of Rs.9,000 million paid by us.  Indian law generally requires that to perfect the transfer or lease of real property, the transfer should be evidenced by a formal duly stamped deed of transfer and registered with the Central Land Registrar within a specified period after the execution of the deed of transfer or lease.  A formal transfer deed for real property of the DoT transferred by the government of India to us has been executed but has not been registered with the appropriate authorities.  The formal transfer deed and the physical delivery of possession of the DoT’s non-real estate assets have resulted in the transfer of these non-real estate assets of the DoT to us in Delhi and Mumbai.  We believe that our use of these properties is not affected by the fact that this deed has not been registered with the appropriate authorities.




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Indian law requires payment of stamp duty (at rates which vary among states) on instruments, which effect transfer of title to real estate or in respect of leases of real estate.  Applicable stamp duty has not been paid in respect of any of the properties acquired or leased by us.  Accordingly, we may be liable for stamp duty and related penalties if a deed is executed by us in the future under the applicable rates of stamp duty and penalty payable in the state where the property is located (other than with respect to the DoT properties acquired from the government of India as of March 30, 1987).  All liabilities for stamp duties in respect of the DoT properties acquired by us from the government of India as of March 30, 1987 are to be borne by the government of India.  We have been advised by our counsel that, although we have valid possession (including the risks and rewards of ownership) and title to all of our property, we need to have certain documents relating to transfer or lease of real property duly registered and stamped to enable us to perfect and thereby acquire marketable title to real property in our possession.  In preparing our financial statements, the provision for this stamp duty has been made on a best estimate basis. We have capitalized provision for stamp duty based on our best estimate amounting to Rs.63 million and Rs.89 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.  We do not intend to sell any of these properties but as excess capacity develops we have been searching to rent out the unused space. In terms of our Articles of Association, we must obtain prior approval of the President of India in respect of any sale or disposal of any land or building costing more than Rs.1 million.




Intellectual Property




Intellectual property rights are not important to our operations.




TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATION IN INDIA




The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India




In March 1997, the Indian government established the TRAI, an independent regulatory authority under the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act.  The TRAI is an autonomous body comprised of a chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members appointed by the Central government, and has primary responsibility for making non-binding recommendations to the DoT, either at the request of the DoT or on its own, as to:




·
need for and the timing of the introduction of new service providers;




·
terms and conditions of licenses to new or existing service providers;




·
revocation of existing licenses for non-compliance




·
measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency to facilitate growth in the industry;




·
technology and equipment improvements in providers’ infrastructures and in the industry generally;




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·
ensuring compliance of providers with license terms;




·
ensuring technical compatibility between providers;




·
regulating revenue sharing between providers;




·
establishing quality standards and ensuring compliance through periodic reviews of providers; and




·
determining time schedules pursuant to which providers will establish inter-connection between their networks.




The TRAI also has the authority to, from time to time, set the rates at which domestic and international telecommunications services are provided in India.  The TRAI does not have authority to grant licenses to service providers or renew licenses (those functions remain with the DoT).  The TRAI, however, has the power to:




·
call upon service providers to furnish information relating to their operations;




·
appoint persons to make official inquiries;




·
inspect books; and




·
issue directions to service providers to ensure their proper functioning.




The TRAI had previously acted in both a regulatory and an adjudicatory role.  Failure to follow TRAI directives may lead to the imposition of fines.  The Indian government has amended the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act providing a separate adjudicative body called the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, also known as the Appellate Tribunal, to adjudicate disputes between




·
a licensor (i.e., the DoT) and a licensee;




·
regulator and service providers;




·
two or more service providers; and




·
between a service provider and consumer advocacy groups.




Additionally, the government of India, any Indian state or local government or any person may apply to the Appellate Tribunal for adjudication of any of the disputes listed above or appeal any order of the TRAI to the Appellate Tribunal.




Standards of Quality of Service Regulations.  In fiscal year 2009, the TRAI issued the Telecommunication the Standards of Quality of Service of Basic Telephone Service (wireline) and Cellular Mobile Telephone Service Regulations, 2009, dated March 20, 2009, and revised the benchmarks for various QOS parameters for these services.  These regulations became effective as of July 1, 2009.




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Mobile Number Portability.  In May 2009, the DoT issued instructions regarding requirements to provide Mobile Number Portability (MNP).In September 2009, the TRAI issued “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations (MNP), 2009” which allows subscribers to retain their existing mobile number when they move from one service provider to another service provider on payment of certain charges and on fulfilling certain other conditions.  In November 2009, the TRAI issued the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Per Port Transaction Charge and Dipping Charge Regulations 2009(9 of 2009).  The DoT decided to implement MNP by January 1, 2011.  We have adhered to the deadline and MNP has been successfully implemented on our network.




Spectrum Allocation Charges.  In addition to the license fee, each Indian mobile service provider, including us, pays spectrum charges of 2% of adjusted gross revenues for up to 4.4 MHz of spectrum allocation and 3% of adjusted gross revenues for spectrum allocation of up to 6.2 MHz and 4% of adjusted gross revenue for spectrum allocation of up to 8 MHz.




Revised Spectrum Charges for CDMA and GSM. On February 25, 2010, the DoT revised the Spectrum  Charges for CDMA and GSM Access network of Telecom Service as follows:




Amount of  GSM spectrum
Amount of  CDMA spectrum
Spectrum charges as a percentage(%) of Adjusted Gross RevenueUpto   2 x 4.4   MHz
Upto   2 x 5.0    MHz
3%Upto  2 x 6.2    MHz
Upto   2 x 6.25  MHz
4%Upto  2 x 8.2    MHz
Upto   2 x 7.5    MHz
5%Upto  2 x 10.2  MHz
Upto   2 x 10.0  MHz
6%Upto  2 x 12.2  MHz
Upto   2 x 12.5  MHz
7%Upto  2 x 15.2  MHz
Upto   2 x 15.0  MHz
8%




Private telecom operators have challenged this order of the DoT in the Honorable TDSAT and obtained stay orders.  The stay is applicable to the operators which approached the tribunal.  We have also requested the DOT to allow us to pay the spectrum charges in accordance with the earlier rates to maintain a level playing field, and are awaiting a response from the DoT.




The TRAI, in its recommendation on Spectrum Management and Licensing Framework, dated May 11, 2010, observed that BSNL and MTNL hold spectrum of 2X12.4 MHz in most service areas. Going by the subscriber figures of both these service providers, it was apparent that the spectrum was being underutilized and as such the TRAI would like the Government to withdraw the spectrum of 2X2.4 MHz from both these providers. However, the DoT responded that the matter is sub-judice.  Stay order has been passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court consequent to appeal against TDSAT judgment on Petition No. 286 of 2007 and notice to BSNL/ MTNL to surrender excess spectrum by BSNL/ MTNL.





For regulating the telemarketing activities, on December 1, 2010, the TRAI has issued “The Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2010 expressing that all access providers have to allocate telecom resources to registered telemarketers from a specified numbering series for making voice calls.  It was also emphasized that every access provider would ensure that such telecom resources provided to telemarketers for making voice calls do not have the facility for receiving incoming calls and sending SMSs.





Numbering series allocated to us for different service areas for telemarketing (for Basic Service customers) are as under:-





S.No
Name of the license company
Service area
Type of license
Series allocated1
MTNL
Delhi
CMTS & Basic
1409632
MTNL
Mumbai
CMTS & Basic
140962




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The Tariff Order




Effective May 1, 1999, the TRAI implemented The Telecommunications Tariff Order 1999.  The intention of the tariff order was to protect consumers by aligning tariffs that telecommunications providers may charge for the service provided while ensuring the commercial viability of the various service providers and so encouraging the expansion of the Indian telecommunications industry.  This “rebalancing” of tariffs took place in stages.




To bring more transparency in tariff, the TRAI has issued direction No. 301-26/2003-Eco, dated  May 2, 2005, specifying the formats for publication/ advertisement of tariff for postpaid and prepaid subscribers and has also directed that the website of Telecom service providers shall contain complete details of the tariff plans as well as financial implications for various usage slabs in the specified format and the details shall be included in the tariff brouchers available at retail outlets.  In  exercise of its powers, the TRAI directed all telecom service providers to publish service wise within fifteen days of issue of this direction, all tariff plans for postpaid and prepaid subscribers in the prescribed format at the Customer Care Centres, the point of sale, retail outlets and on the website of telecom access service providers.





Service providers must ensure that the tariff plan published in the prescribed format is updated on the website and the customers care centre of the service providers every time there is any change in any of the  tariff plans and make available in the prescribed format  by 7th day of January April July and October at the points of sale and retail outlets.







Pursuant to tariff orders, tariff plans initiated by an access provider are to be available to a subscriber for a minimum period of six months from the date of enrollment of the subscriber to that tariff plan. The tariff order also prescribes a reporting requirement that a service provider must report any change in tariff to the TRAI within seven days from implementation.




Because we retain the remainder of prices of domestic and international long distance calls originating on our network, net of interconnect charges, by lowering long distance rates the tariff reductions have reduced the revenue we receive per call.  We believe that, to date, the tariff order has not resulted in significantly higher long distance usage and that, accordingly, the tariff order has had a negative impact on our revenues and earnings as the lower charges have not been offset by higher usage.




The tariff order prescribes a reporting requirement such that a service provider must report any change in tariff to the TRAI within seven days from implementation.




The TRAI has fixed revised ceiling tariff for the most commonly used capacities/speed i.e. 64 kbps, 128 kbps, 256 kbps, E1 (speed of 2 Mbps), DS-3 (speed of 45 Mbps) and STM-1 (speed of 155 Mbps).  The revised ceiling tariffs (for distance slab above 500 Km) in respect of DLC are summarized in the table below:


Capacity / Speed
Ceiling Tariff

(Rs. in lakhs)64 Kbps
0.44128 Kbps
0.79256 Kbps
1.36E1 (2 bps)
8.50DS-3 (45 Mbps)
62STM-1 (155 Mbps)
165
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By amending the Telecommunication Tariff Order in April 2012, the TRAI ordered that every service provider must offer and make available to the consumer at least one top up voucher, of denomination of Rs.10;  also decided to increase the ceiling on processing fee on Top up vouchers to Rs.3 from Rs.2 in respect of Top up vouchers having maximum retail price of Rs.20 and above and to continue with the existing ceiling of Rs.2 in respect of Top up vouchers having maximum retail price of less than Rs.20.





Foreign Direct Investment Controls.




The current Indian government policy on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the telecom sector is summarized as follows:




·
For basic Cellular, Value Added Services and Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite, FDI is permitted up to 74% with FDI beyond 49% requiring government approval, subject to licensing and security requirements and adherence by the companies (who are investing and the companies in which the investment is being made) to the license conditions for foreign equity cap and lock-in period for transfer and addition of equity and other license provisions.




·
For ISPs with gateways, radio paging and end-to-end bandwidth, FDI is permitted up to 74% with FDI beyond 49% requiring Government approval.  These services would be subject to licensing and security requirements.




·
No equity cap is applicable to manufacturing activities.




·
FDI up to 100% is allowed for the following activities in the telecom sector: ISPs not providing gateways (both for satellite and submarine cables);Infrastructure Providers providing dark fiber (IP Category I); Electronic Mail; and Voice Mail.




The above policy guidelines are subject to the following conditions: FDI up to 100% is allowed subject to the condition that such companies would divest 26% of their equity in favor of the Indian public in five years, if these companies are listed in other parts of the world; the above services would be subject to licensing and security requirements, wherever required; and proposal for FDI beyond 49% shall be considered by FIPB on case to case basis.




Item 4A.                      Unresolved Staff Comments




Not applicable.




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Item 5.
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects




You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the Item 3A. “Selected Financial and Operating Data, Item 3D. “Risk Factors” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which appear elsewhere in this report.  Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Our fiscal year ends March 31 of each year, and therefore all references to a particular fiscal year are to the twelve months ended March 31 of that year.




5A.  Operating Results





Overview




A number of developments have significantly affected our operating results.  These developments and a number of potential developments may affect our results of operations, liquidity, capital resources and capital expenditures in future periods.  These developments include:




·
adoption of the comprehensive interconnection usage charges regulation based on the calling party pays principle, effective since May 1, 2003 and further revised from time to time;




·
our expansion into new businesses such as providing cellular/3G service and CDMA-based fixed wireless and mobile services and the rapid introduction by several other operators of low-cost CDMA-based technologies that can be used for both fixed wireless and mobile services;




·
growing competition;




·
our expansion into foreign markets - to date, Nepal and Mauritius;




·
new interconnect arrangements with international long distance carriers, including revenue sharing on incoming calls;




·
industry consolidation; and




·
our investment programs to expand and modernize our network.




Potential future developments include:




·
increased competition from basic and cellular operators, including the continued rapid introduction by several operators of low-cost CDMA-based technologies that can be used for both fixed wireless and mobile services;




·
continued consolidation in the industry;




·
further rate reductions as a result of intensifying competition or tariff reductions;




·
new interconnect agreements with private operators;




·
license fee revisions, including revisions that may be applied retrospectively;




·
one time charges towards 3G spectrum and BWA spectrum amounting to Rs.110,980 million paid during the 2011 fiscal year;




·
further expansion and penetration of broadband;




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·
benefits of our new International Long Distance License obtained in July 2008;




·
possible direct or reverse merger with BSNL;




·
the implementation of voluntary retirement schemes for our employees; and




·
further regulatory changes.




Our future results of operations are also likely to be affected by macroeconomic trends such as the rate of growth of the Indian economy, particularly in Delhi and Mumbai, and the introduction of new technologies and products by our competitors and us.  Many of these factors are beyond our control.  See Item 3D. “Risk Factors” in this report.




Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates




We have prepared the consolidated financial statements for the three fiscal years ended March 31, 2012 in accordance with US GAAP.




Our accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements which are part of this report are prepared in conformity with US GAAP, which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the fiscal year. Actual results could differ from those estimates. We consider the following policies to be most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing our financial statements and the uncertainties that could impact our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.




Recognition of Revenues.  Revenues include amounts invoiced for call revenue, fixed monthly rental charges, roaming charges, activation fees, internet services, access and interconnection revenue and fees for value added services (VAS).  Revenues for fixed line and cellular telephonic services are recognized based upon metered call units (MCU) of traffic processed.  Rental revenues and leased circuits rentals are recognized based upon contracted fees schedule.  Revenues from internet services are recognized based on usage by subscribers.  Revenues associated with access and interconnection for usage of our telephone network by other operators for local, national long distance and international long distance calls are recognized in accordance with the Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation released by the TRAI.  The TRAI regulation specifies per minute rates for metered call units (MCU) of traffic terminated on our network.  Revenues are shown net of service tax and applicable discounts and allowance.  Unbilled receivables represent revenues recognized in respect of services provided from the last bill cycle date to the end of the year.  These are billed in subsequent periods as per the terms of the billing plans.  Billings in advance for services to be rendered and amounts charged for new connections are classified in current liabilities under the heading “Deferred income”.  Amounts charged for new connections are recognized over the average life of the customer relationship.  A significant portion of our revenue is derived from interconnect and access charges for calls terminating at our network.  The related rules and telecommunication industry related policies are framed and determined by the government of India through its departments and regulatory authorities such as the DoT and the TRAI.  Since interconnect and access charges are presently governed by IUC regime, we have not entered into separate agreements with certain other operators.  Any subsequent amendment to the presently applicable guidelines with retrospective effect relating to tariff and interconnect/access charges will impact our revenues significantly.




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For the 2012 fiscal year, a 10% increase or decrease in the rates for call revenue for Basic services, including public call office revenue, would have increased or decreased the total revenue by approximately Rs.554 million. A 2% increase or decrease in metered call units in respect of fixed line call revenue, including public call office revenue, would have increased or decreased the total revenue by approximately Rs.149.42  million for the 2012 fiscal year.  Further, a 5% increase or decrease in rental charges would have increased or decreased the total revenue by approximately Rs.372.15 million, as applicable, while a 5% increase or decrease in rates for interconnection services would have increased or decreased the total revenue by approximately Rs.161.68 million for the 2012 fiscal year.




License Fees.  We are paying license fee and spectrum charges to the DoT in accordance with conditions governing license fee for Basic Telephone Service and Cellular Telephone Service prescribed by the DoT under the Revenues Sharing Regime, whereby the license fee is computed as a specified percentage of adjusted gross revenue.  The license fee is expensed as incurred.  In view of the uncertain political environment and the fact that the license fee is determined on the basis of guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities, the license fees is subject to change in the event any of these guidelines are modified subsequently with retrospective effect. During the 2011 fiscal year, the applicable percentage of license fee was 10%. A change in the specified percentage to 12% or 8% would have increased or decreased the license fee charges by approximately Rs.477.22 million.  Refer to the discussion in the “Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 2012 with Year Ended March 31, 2011” below.




Network Charges.  Charges associated with access to and interconnection to other operators’ network by us for local, national long distance and international long distance calls are recognized in accordance with the Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation released by the TRAI, where applicable, and in accordance with the terms of agreements entered into with other operators.  TRAI regulation specifies per minute charges for metered call units (MCU) of traffic terminated on the other operators’ network.  In view of the uncertain political environment and the fact that the network charges are determined on the basis of guidelines prescribed by regulatory authorities, the network charges are subject to change in the event any of these guidelines are modified subsequently with retrospective effect.  Refer to the discussion in the  “Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 2012 with Year Ended March 31, 2011” below.




Pension and Other Retirement Benefits.  We sponsor pension and other retirement plans in various forms covering substantially all employees who meet eligibility requirements. Several statistical and other factors, which attempt to forecast future events, are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plans.  These factors include assumptions about the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and rate of future compensation increases as determined by us, within certain guidelines.  In addition, we also use subjective factors such as withdrawal and mortality rates to estimate these factors.  The actuarial assumptions we used may differ materially from actual results due to changing market and economic conditions, higher or lower withdrawal rates or longer or shorter life spans of participants.  These differences and the fact we have not invested pension and other retirement benefit funds to cover retirement liability may result in a significant impact on the amount of pension and other retirement benefit expense recorded by us.  During the 2008 fiscal year, we made an adhoc arrangement of medical scheme for retirees with effect from September 1, 2007.  According to this ad hoc arrangement the respective units were allowed to settle such claims on case to case basis.  This scheme was discontinued with effect from March 20, 2008; however, the employees who are under treatment will continue to get the benefits till discharge from the hospital.  Effective October 2008, we implemented a Retired Employee Contribution Group Health Insurance scheme for a one year period, which has been extended till September 30, 2010.




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Income Taxes.  In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss carry-forwards.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of income in the period in which such changes are enacted.  We assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance.  The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets.  In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.  The enacted tax rate applicable to us was 30.90% during the 2012 fiscal year.  A 1% increase or decrease in the tax rate to 31.90% or 29.90% would have increased or decreased the income tax expense for the year by Rs.NIL, since there was no taxable income.




As per section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961, a company which starts to operate telecommunication services at any time on or after April 1, 1995, but before March 31, 2000, is entitled to a tax holiday for a period of 10 years beginning with the year in which such services are started. As per the tax holiday, 100% of the profits derived from such services are exempt from tax in the first five years, and 30% of such profits are exempt from tax for the next five years.  We, on the basis of advice from our legal counsel, have historically claimed such benefit.  Our claim had been rejected at the first appellate level and the case has been referred to the Committee of Disputes, which is a body formed by the Government to settle disputes between Government controlled undertakings and the Government. The Committee has referred the case to the Tax appellate authorities for reconsideration. For the years ending up to and including the 2006 fiscal year, considering that the benefit claimed by us in the above years may not be ultimately allowed by tax authorities, the provision for current taxes in these years had been accounted in the basis of normal tax rates. During the 2007 fiscal year, the assessing officer made fresh assessment for calculation of deduction under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 and allowed partial benefit to us. We have filed appeals against that partial allowance to the higher authority. Also refer to Note 25iii(b)(ii) to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.




During the 2008 fiscal year, we received refunds from Income Tax Authority in respect of penalty levied for the 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002 fiscal years.  These penalties pertained to the claims we had made under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act.  The income tax department refunded the penalty amount together with the interest thereon which we had accounted for in our statement of income for the 2008 fiscal year.




During the 2009 fiscal year, the Assessing Officer allowed partial refunds in respect of deductions under section 801A for assessment years 2001-02 and 2003-04.




During the 2010 fiscal year, the Honorable ITAT allowed deduction under section 801A for six assessment years (1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2005-06) to exempt up to 75% of the income we earned from services.  The Income Tax Authorities have refunded the tax amount of Rs.2,819 million (including interest of Rs.1,361.84) for assessment year 1998-99, and the claims for the rest of the years were pending.




During the 2011 fiscal year, the Income Tax Authorities refunded the aggregate tax amount of Rs.13,766 million (including interest of Rs.7,310 million) for assessment years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03.  We also filed a further appeal with the Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL which is similarly situated.




During the 2012 fiscal year, the appeals for the claim under section 80IA for the 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2005-06 assessment  years have been admitted by the Hon’ble High Court.  Another appeal for the assessment year 2004-05 under section 80IA claim has been filed before Hon’ble High Court and also been admitted.  All above appeals/cases are now pending for regular hearing before Hon’ble High Court.  During the 2012 fiscal year, Income Tax authorities has refunded Rs.3,507.43 million on account of rectification of refund orders issued for the 1998-99 and 2001-02 assessment years.




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Legal Contingencies.  As discussed in Note 25 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements, legal proceedings covering a wide range of matters are pending or threatened against us.  We have accrued amounts as appropriate that represent our estimate of the probable outcome of these matters. The judgments we make with regard to whether to establish a reserve are based on an evaluation of all relevant factors by internal and external legal counsel, as well as subject matter experts and is based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of litigation and settlement strategies.  Claims are continually monitored and reevaluated as new information is obtained.  We may not establish a liability for a particular matter until long after the litigation is filed, once a liability becomes probable and estimable. The actual settlement of such matters could differ from the judgments made in determining how much, if any, to accrue.  We do not believe these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position.  While we believe that our accruals for these matters are adequate, if the actual loss from a loss contingency is significantly different than the estimated loss, our results of operations may be over or understated.




Recoverability of DOT Receivables.  We are a Government company under the Indian Companies Act.  As of March 31, 2012, the Government owned 56.25% of our issued share capital.  Consequently, the Government, acting through the DoT, continues to control us and will have the power to determine the outcome of our transactions with the DoT or the assertion of our claims against the DoT.  We also provide and receive services to/from other Governmental departments and other public sector organizations on normal commercial terms.  Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a further discussion on our related party transactions and significant risks and uncertainties.  The receivables from the DoT constitute a significant portion of our assets and our assessment of the recoverability of these assets involves critical accounting estimates.  The assessments reflect management’s best assumptions and estimates. Significant management judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent uncertainties.  Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions that influence these factors. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events, and thus our accounting estimates may change from period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used in the current period, the balances for these assets could have been materially impacted.  Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, future operating results could be materially impacted.




Allowance for Accounts Receivable.  We estimate the amount of uncollectible receivables each period and establish an allowance for uncollectible amounts. The amount of the allowance is based on the age of unpaid amounts, information about the creditworthiness of customers, and other relevant information. Estimates of uncollectible amounts are revised each period, and changes are recorded in the period they become known.




Estimated Useful Lives of Property and Equipment.  We estimate the useful lives of plant and equipment in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during any reporting period.  If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods. Likewise, if the anticipated technological or other changes occur more slowly than expected, the useful lives could be extended. This could result in a reduction of depreciation expense in future periods.  Further, property and equipment are being depreciated over their useful lives which exceed the license term since we believe that our licenses will be extended beyond their current term.




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Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” we review these types of assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable over the remaining life of the asset or asset group. In order to determine if the asset or asset group is recoverable, we determine if the expected future undiscounted cash flows directly related to the asset or asset group are less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group.  If so, we then determine if the carrying amount of the asset or asset group exceeds its fair value. We determine fair value using estimated discounted cash flows.  If impairment is indicated, the asset or asset group is written down to its fair value. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying value or the fair value less cost to sell.  The discounted cash flows calculation uses various assumptions and estimates regarding future revenue - which is a factor of the future subscriber base and the average revenue per subscriber, expenses, terminal values of the assets and the cash flows projections over the estimated remaining useful life of the asset or asset group. These forecasts are subject to changes in external factors including adverse regulatory and legal rulings.  We carried out an impairment review of our long lived assets in fiscal 2012.  Based on our review, the expected future cash flows directly associated with the asset groups exceed their carrying amount and hence there is no impairment of long lived assets in fiscal 2012.




Impairment of Held to Maturity Securities.  We invested Rs.1,000 million in 8.75% cumulative preference shares of ITI Limited (“ITI”) and Rs.2,500 million in bonds issued by Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (“MKVDC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Government of Maharashtra. ITI is a government company in the telecommunication equipment and distribution business. ITI also supplies exchanges and cables to MTNL.




The ITI share purchase agreement includes a provision for a letter of comfort from the DOT to us endorsing the investment and also provides us a right to set off amounts receivable in respect of principal outstanding from the amounts payable to ITI in connection with our purchase of exchanges and cable supplies.




As of September 30, 2009, ITI had not redeemed the first, second, third, fourth and last tranches amounting to Rs.200 million each pursuant to the original repayment schedule.




Management has evaluated the investment in ITI for impairment, on the basis that the first, second and third tranches for repayment have not been settled by ITI.  Management has evaluated the financial condition and business outlook of ITI including the new purchase orders received by ITI for supply of GSM equipment from BSNL and us.  We currently have accounts payable to ITI of Rs.123 million as of March 31, 2012, which, pursuant to the share agreement, we can legally settle against the repayments owing under the cumulative preference shares.  In addition, we have the intent and ability to retain the debt security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in value.




Based on this evaluation and specifically considering that the share purchase agreement includes a provision for a letter of comfort from the DoT to us endorsing the investment and also provides us a right to set off amounts receivable in respect of principal outstanding from the dues payable to ITI.  However, out of the total investment of Rs.1,000 million, Rs.800 million had been charged as an impairment during the 2008 fiscal year, another Rs.200 million of the debt security was impaired as of March 31, 2009.  The entire amount of investment in ITI has been impaired up to fiscal year 2009.




The DoT, by letter dated July 31, 2009, deferred the repayment schedule of the above cumulative preference shares to beginning 2012-13 and payable in five equal annual installments.




The MKVDC bonds have a coupon rate of 11.5% per annum and are redeemable at the end of the 10th year from the date of allotment (May 31, 2002).  The repayment of these bonds is guaranteed by the Government of Mahrashtra.  Based on our assessment of carrying value of investment in MKVDC bonds, we believe that there is no impairment of investments as of March 31, 2012.




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Revenue




We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from local, domestic long distance and international calls that originate on our network and from telephone rentals.  We realize revenue in the form of installation charges, ongoing subscription/rental charges and usage charges.  We also derive revenues from providing Internet and broadband services, our Intelligent Network services, public call office or public payphone services, interconnection with basic service, long distance service and cellular operators, narrow-band ISDN services, CDMA-based mobile and fixed wireless services, leased-line services, telex services, trunk services, VOIP, IPTV, GSM cellular services in Delhi and Mumbai, those value-added services for which we charge a fee.




We began receiving interconnect payments in respect of incoming international long distance calls since April 2002, when several interconnect agreements, including our agreement with VSNL, took effect. In fiscal year 2003, revenue sharing with BSNL and other operators for incoming and outgoing domestic long distance or subscriber trunk dialing calls was done on the basis of the TRAI’s Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation 2003, and modified by Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation 2003, and further amended from time to time.  Call revenue is generally a function of the number of access lines in service, the volume of traffic carried and the level of call charges.  Telephone and other rental revenue is a function of the number of access lines in service and the rental tariffs we charge.  Public call office revenue is driven by the number of our public call offices, the volume of traffic carried and the level of call charges.  Interconnect revenue is a function of the contractual and legal/regulatory rates prescribed for interconnection and the level of call volumes originating from sources that pay interconnect fees.  There has been a continuous decrease in the number of fixed lines that, coupled with a decrease in the related tariffs, and also downfall in the GSM revenue though there are significant additions in GSM connections, is mainly attributable to reduction in tariff. However, there has been an increase in revenue due to increased broadband connections, despite a drastic decrease in related tariffs for the year ended March 31, 2012.




Since October 2004, we have drastically reduced the ISD tariff.  We reduced the ILD tariff on a promotional basis for our GSM postpaid and prepaid subscribers under the GSM service license for the licensed service area for 90 days effective as of June 26, 2010 for Delhi and July 1, 2010 for Mumbai.




The calls within our own networks of Delhi and Mumbai are treated as local calls.  For all other places the STD rate is flat (i.e. Rs.1.20 per minute from Fixed and WLL(M)) and the STD rate for Cellular service is Rs.0.60 per minute for Mumbai and Delhi. We have also reduced roaming charges between Mumbai and Maharashtra.




Primarily as a result of these tariff reductions, excluding termination revenues, our average revenue per access line in service has been declining.  Any further tariff rebalancing may result in lower call charges, particularly for domestic long distance and international calls, which might be offset by an increase in rental tariffs.  We are not able to assess at this time the full long-term impact that the tariff order will have on subscriber calling patterns or on revenues.  As competition intensifies, we expect call charges will likely decline and, to the extent that call volumes do not increase as a result of lower call charges, excluding termination revenues, our revenue per access line in service may continue to decline.




We expect that call revenue and revenue from public call offices may decline as a percentage of total revenue as demand for our other products and services, particularly our GSM cellular services, increases and if rental charges increase as a result of further tariff rebalancing.




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Cost of Revenues




Our operating costs include staff costs, license fees and network utilization charges, depreciation expenses, maintenance costs and commissions paid to public call office franchise operators.




Staff costs.  In general, employees receive a base salary and salary-related housing and other allowances, productivity-based incentive payments and certain benefits, including a pension/gratuity plan and medical benefits for themselves and certain members of their immediate families.  The increase  in our staff costs was primarily due to implementation of wage revision with effect from January 1, 2007 and consequent impact on retirement benefits in the 2009 and 2010 fiscal years.




In fiscal year 2000, substantially all of our non-executive employees originally employed by the DoT decided to terminate their services with the DoT and accept employment with us effective November 1998.  Under the option given to them for pension benefits, most of our absorbed employees have opted for retaining pension benefits in accordance with the Central government pension rules. Some other employees have opted for retirement rules, which are applicable to our directly recruited employees, and opted to draw pro ratamonthly pension until their absorption.  Accordingly, with effect from November 1, 1998 we started accruing for pension and gratuity for these employees.  In 2002, the DoT indicated that the Government would pay for the pension benefits of the government employees absorbed by us who opted for either the Central government scheme of pension or for the pro ratapension scheme for the period served with the DoT.  However, the terms of such payments are in the process of finalization. Once these terms are finalized and the payments are made to the DoT for the period of employment of these employees with us, we expect that our liability for post retirement obligations would be limited to monthly contributions on the basis of the rules to be prescribed by the government of India.  Presently, in the absence of any further movement from the Government, we are discharging all such liabilities.




Approximately 98% of our executive employees have accepted absorption into our company and are now our direct employees.  These employees are entitled to certain pension and gratuity benefits from the government of India.




We have finalized a new compensation structure for our senior executive employees.  The new structure provides for higher salaries and benefits for our senior executive employees upon exercise of their option for our absorption.




As a public sector enterprise, we abide by general DoT and Department of Public Sector Enterprises personnel policies that, among other things, limit our ability to reduce employment levels and control the amount of salaries and other remuneration that we may pay to our employees.  Our employee productivity measured by access lines in service per employee has been increasing steadily but remains significantly lower than the Asian and global averages.  During the 2005 fiscal year, we implemented a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for executive as well as non-executive employees.  Under the scheme, the eligible employees were given an option to voluntarily take retirement from service and make their choice within the specified period of time.  The scheme provided for ex gratia payments to eligible employees opting for voluntary retirement based on the respective employee’s salary and term of employment.  The Scheme was closed in 2007 fiscal year. As of March 31, 2012, no employee had retired under this scheme.




License Fees and Network Utilization.  The DoT periodically adjusts the license fees and network utilization charges.  The license fee had been revised at 10% of Adjusted Gross Revenues with effect from April 1, 2004.  The license fee for the NLD (national long distance) and ILD (international long distance) service licenses which we have obtained is 6% of AGR.  A license fee on Internet services of 6% of AGR has been in effect since 2006.




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A method of calculation of the ISP license fee was implemented for the 2010 fiscal year, and also extended the fee for the previous year.  The change was approved in the ECM held on June 12, 2010, and accordingly the license fees were reduced by Rs.70.4 million in the 2009 fiscal year.




We finalized the charges for network utilization and domestic long distance agreements with BSNL.  Since November 2006, NLD carriage charges have been at the negotiable rates.  These rates are not applicable to NLD for traffic between Delhi and Mumbai, which is routed on our own leased bandwidth.




We are responsible for collecting payments for calls from our subscribers and bear the risk of non-collection of these charges.  Until the May 1, 2003 effectiveness of the interconnection usage charges regulation, we did not receive any payments for call coming into our network from BSNL’s network.  BSNL has also established its own Trunk Automatic Exchanges (TAXs) at Delhi and Mumbai.  All the other private operators in Delhi and Mumbai have established interconnection with these TAXs and consequently we have stopped transiting their long distance calls to minimize the risk of bad debts.




Inflation




We do not believe that inflation in India has had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years.  However, the TRAI has been granted the authority to determine tariffs, and we are therefore restricted in our ability to increase tariff’s to compensate for inflation.  As a result, inflation could adversely affect our results of operations.  See Item 4B. “Business Overview-Tariffs and Other Charges” in this report.




Effect of New Accounting Pronouncements




There are a number of new accounting standards that been issued that will affect our information presented in accordance with US GAAP.  For a description of these recent pronouncements, see Note 2(s) of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.




Other Matters




See Item 4B. “Information on the Company-Business Overview- Legal Proceedings” and Note 25 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for information about our contingent liabilities.




Segment Information




We have identified basic and cellular as our two operating segments.  Basic services segment consists of voice, data through local calls, domestic long distance and international long distance calls on fixed line services in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai in India. It also includes revenues from internet access services.  Cellular consists of providing cellular services in cities of Delhi and Mumbai using Global System for Mobile communications, or GSM, technology.  Further, it includes revenues from Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, based cellular services.  See Note 26 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements.




The cellular services have met the thresholds of significance as a reportable segment during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.




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Through our 100% subsidiary Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (MTML), we are providing fixed, mobile, ILD and Internet Services in Mauritius.  MTML has installed the state of art CDMA IX EVDO switch having capacity of 110K, with a strategically spread radio network of base stations.  The system is equipped to provide value added services, i.e., SMS, DATA, Multi Media service etc. MTML is also expanding the capacity of its core network to 310K lines and implementing a GSM network in Mauritius with 200K lines capacity the 110K core capacity of the CDMA IX EVDO network. During the 2012 fiscal year, MTML installed a 100K GSM network capacity with EDGE to meet the increasing demands as the existing CDMA capacity is already fully utilized.  See Item 4A.  “Information on the Company-History and Development of the Company - Telecommunications Services in Other Countries” in this report.




During the 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years, no single customer has contributed for revenue in excess of 10% of total revenue.




The amounts reviewed by the CODM are based on our internal accounting policies which are different from U.S. GAAP.




Results of Operations




The following table sets forth selected income statement data expressed as a percentage of revenue for the period indicated, derived from financial statements that are prepared in accordance with US GAAP, included on pages F-1 to F-42 of this annual report.




Fiscal year ended March 31,2010


2011


2012Revenues, net


100
%


100
%


100
%Cost of revenues  (excluding depreciation shown separately below)


-135
%


-103
%


-112
%Selling, general and administrative expenses


-50
%


-36
%


-42
%Depreciation


-41
%


-41
%


-48
%Post retirement medical benefits liability written back


0
%


0
%


0
%Excess liabilities written back


2
%


2
%


2
%Income/ (loss) from operations


-125
%


-78
%


-100
%Interest and other income, net


20
%


13
%


-22
%Income before unusual items, income taxes and share of losses of affiliates


-105
%


-64
%


-123
%Income taxes


33
%


-25
%


0
%Equity in (losses)/profit of affiliates


0
%


0
%


0
%Net income(loss)


-72
%


-89
%


-123
%




Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 2012 with Year Ended March 31, 2011




Revenues: Basic Services:Our revenues from basic services decreased by 13.66% from Rs.30,750 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.26,550 million for the 2012 fiscal year. The decline in revenue due to exclusion of revenue from other operating activities such as revenues from the Commonwealth Games (Rs.2,850 million) and the cyber highway project (Rs.182 million) and also, shifting of CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services. Interconnect revenue increased by 7.35%  from Rs.3,012 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.3,233 million for the 2012 fiscal year because of the reduction in IUC tariff mandated by the TRAI.  Revenue from telephone and other rentals and broadband services decreased by 9% from Rs.13,951 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.13,917.96 million for the 2012 fiscal year.




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Call revenue has gone down as a result of a decrease in the number of connections from approximately 3.74 million connections during the 2011 fiscal year to approximately 3.71 million connections during the 2012 fiscal year. Further, the call tariff rates were reduced during the current year due to increased competition in the market, resulting in a fall in the average revenue per connection per month from Rs.685 during the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.596  during the 2012 fiscal year, a decrease of Rs.89  per connection per month.




Cellular Services: Our revenues from cellular services increased by 14.72% from Rs.6,382 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.7,321 million for the 2012 fiscal year. The increase was primarily on account of change in  CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services.




Cost of Revenues: Basic Services: Our cost of revenues has decreased from Rs.32,877 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.30,993 million for the 2012 fiscal year. The decrease in cost is attributable to decrease in licence fees by Rs.1,003 million from Rs.2,993 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.1,990 million for the 2012 fiscal year. Interconnection charges decreased by 6% from Rs.2,306 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.2,168 million in the 2012 fiscal year.  The change in CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services and consequent shift of expenses to cellular segment also contributed to the decrease.




Cost of Revenues: Cellular Services: Our cost of revenues has increased by Rs.2,096 million from Rs.4,953 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.7,049 million for the 2012 fiscal year.  The increase was primarily on account of change in CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services; increase in the provisions for bad debts due to change in accounting policy and also increase in staff cost.




Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)




Basic Services: Our selling, general and administrative expenses related to basic services decreased by 3% from Rs.12,459 million during the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.12,124 million during the 2012 fiscal year. The decrease is mainly a result of a decrease in advertisement cost, rent and miscellaneous expenses




Cellular Services: Our selling, general and administrative expenses related to cellular services increased by Rs.932 million from Rs.802 million during the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.1,734 million during the 2012 fiscal year. The increase was primarily on account of change in  CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services and also the accounting of related expenses in cellular segment.




Income from Operations




Basic Services: Our loss from operations from basic services increased by Rs.2,454  million from an operational loss of Rs.24,194 million for the 2011 fiscal year to an operational loss of Rs.26,648 million for the2012 fiscal year. The increase in operating loss is mainly due to the increase in staff cost from Rs.32,761 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.32,786 million for the 2012 fiscal year.  The  decline in revenue related to one-time revenues in the 2011 fiscal year from activities such as the Commonwealth Games (Rs.2,850 million) and the cyber highway project (Rs.182 million), and also shifting of CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services. Thus, there was no considerable decline in revenues in the 2012 fiscal year.




Cellular Services: Our loss from operations from cellular services increased by Rs.3,098 million from a loss from operations of Rs.4,070 million for the 2011 fiscal year to a loss from operations of Rs.7,168 million for the 2012 fiscal year.  The loss from operation is mainly attributable to adding up of losses of CDMA segment from basic services to cellular services.




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Interest and Other Income:During the 2012 fiscal year, our interest and other income decreased by 254% from Rs.4,935 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.(7,606) million for the 2012 fiscal year.  The decrease is attributable to decrease in interest from bank deposits by Rs.463 million from Rs.473 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.10 million for the 2012 fiscal year. There was a sharp increase in interest on borrowing by Rs.4,977 million from Rs.4,515 million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.9,492 million for the 2012 fiscal year.




Income Taxes:Income tax increased by Rs.9,273 million from Rs.(9,276)  million for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.(3) million for the 2012 fiscal year.  The increase was attributable to writing off of deferred tax assets to the extent of Rs.8,962 million in the 2011 fiscal year.




The current tax expense has increased mainly due to adjustments made while computation of tax during the 2012 fiscal year.




The deferred tax assets have increased largely on account of deferment of charges in the financial statements in respect of provision for impairment of ITI investments, depreciation and amortization, carried forward losses  and loss on sale of assets.




Comparison of Year Ended March 31, 2011 with Year Ended March 31, 2010




Revenues: Basic Services:Our revenues from basic services increased by 7.71% from Rs.28,549 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.30,750 million for the 2011 fiscal year. The increase was primarily driven by revenues from the Commonwealth Games (Rs.2,850 million) and the cyber highway project (Rs.182 million). Interconnect revenue increased by 10.96% from Rs.2,715 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.3,012 million for the 2011 fiscal year because of the reduction in IUC tariff mandated by the TRAI.  Revenue from telephone and other rentals and broadband services decreased by 9% from Rs.15,331 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.13,951 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Call revenue has gone down as a result of a decrease in the number of connections from approximately 3.80 million connections during the 2010 fiscal year to approximately 3.74 million connections during the 2011 fiscal year. Further, the call tariff rates were reduced during the 2011 fiscal year due to increased competition in the market, resulting in a fall in the average revenue per connection per month from Rs.626 during the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.611 during the 2011 fiscal year, a decrease of Rs.15 per connection per month.




Cellular Services: Our revenues from cellular services decreased by 8.35% from Rs.6,964 million for the 2010 fiscsal year to Rs.6,382 million for the 2011 fiscal year. The decrease was primarily driven by decrease in our income from roaming and prepaid “Trump” by Rs.635 million from Rs.3,395 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.2,760 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Cost of Revenues: Basic Services: Our cost of revenues has decreased from Rs.42,925 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.32,877 million for the 2011 fiscal year. The decrease in cost is attributable to decrease in staff costs by Rs.9,780 from Rs.32,713 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.22,933 million for the 2011 fiscal year. Interconnection charges decreased by 21% from Rs.2,917 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.2,306 million in the 2011 fiscal year.




Cost of Revenues: Cellular Services: Our cost of revenues has decreased by Rs.60 million from Rs.5,013 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.4,953 million for the 2011 fiscal year.  The decrease is due to a decrease in interconnect charges by Rs.191 million from Rs.2,502 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.2,311 million for the 2011 fiscal year and a decrease in license fees by Rs.9 million from Rs.750 million in the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.741 million for the 2011 fiscal year.  There was a decrease in staff cost by Rs.94 million from Rs.898 million in the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.804 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




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With respect to license fees payable as a percentage of the Adjusted Gross Revenues (AGR), the decrease is essentially due to an 8.35% decrease in cellular revenue as compared to the previous year.




Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)




Basic Services: Our selling, general and administrative expenses related to basic services decreased by 27% from Rs.17,049 million during the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.12,459 million during the 2011 fiscal year. The decrease is mainly a result of a decrease in staff costs by Rs.4,192 million from Rs.14,020 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.9,828 million for the 2011 fiscal year and a decrease in miscellaneous expenses by Rs.108 million from Rs.581 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.473 million for the 2011 fiscal year. However, the same was set off to some extent mainly on account of loss on sale of assets by Rs.347 million from Rs.16 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.363 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Cellular Services: Our selling, general and administrative expenses related to cellular services decreased by Rs.3 million from Rs.805 million during the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.802 million during the 2011 fiscal year. The decrease is mainly a result of decrease in staff costs by Rs.40 million from Rs.385 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.345 million for the 2011 fiscal year. However, the same was offset by increase in provision for doubtful debts by Rs.42 million from Rs.27 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.69  million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Income from Operations




Basic Services: Our loss from operations from basic services decreased by Rs.19,779 million from an operational loss of Rs.43,973 million for the 2010 fiscal year to an operational loss of Rs.24,194 million for the 2011fiscal year. The decrease in operating loss is mainly due to the increase in revenue by 7.71% from Rs.28,549 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.30,750 million for the 2011fiscal year.  There was also a decrease in cost of revenues by Rs.10,048 million from Rs.42,925 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.32,877 for the 2011 fiscal year and a decrease in the selling, general and administrative expenses from Rs.17,049 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.12,459 million for the 2011fiscal  year.




Cellular Services: Our loss from operations from cellular services increased by Rs.3,573 million from a loss from operations of Rs.498 million for the 2010 fiscal year to a loss from operations of Rs.4,070 million for the 2011 fiscal year.  The loss from operation is mainly attributable to decrease in revenue by Rs.582 million from Rs.6,964 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.6,382 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Interest and Other Income:During the 2011 fiscal year, our interest and other income decreased by 31% from Rs.7,105 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.4,935 million for the 2011 fiscal year.  The decrease is attributable to decrease in interest from bank deposits by Rs.3,513 million from Rs.3,986 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.473 million for the 2011 fiscal year.




Income Taxes:Income tax decreased by Rs.21,082 million from Rs.11,806 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.(9,276) million for the 2011 fiscal year.  The decrease was attributable to the decrease in current tax by Rs.16,505 million from Rs.16,191 million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.(314) million for the 2011 fiscal year, and decrease in deferred tax by Rs.(4,577) million from Rs.(4,384) million for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.(8,962) million for the 2011 fiscal year.




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The current tax expense has decreased mainly due to adjustments made while computation of tax during the 2011 fiscal year.




We believe that deferred tax assets shall not be realized in near future so, we wrote back the previous year deferred tax asset and did not provide for current year deferred tax asset because there is no certainty of availability of sufficient future taxable income against which the above asset can be realized.




The deferred tax assets have increased largely on account of deferment of charges in the financial statements in respect of provision for impairment of ITI investments, depreciation and amortization  and loss on sale of assets.




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5B.  Liquidity and Capital Resources




A summary of our cash flows appears below:




(in million of Rs.)

Year Ended March 312010



2011



2012Net cash provided by the operating activities


13,158



(112,261
)


(14,506
)Net cash used in investing activities


(13,521
)


37,924



(7,786
)Net cash from financing activities


0



74,557



21,923Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


(363
)


220



(368
)Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


1,419



1,056



1,276Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year


1,056



1,276



908





We have historically met our working capital and capital expenditure requirements principally from cash flows generated from operations.  We have also from time to time undertaken external borrowings.  As of March 31, 2012, we had bank overdrafts of Rs.26,480 million and long term loans of Rs.70,000 million, see Notes 21 and 22 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in this report.  We expect to meet our planned capital requirements for the next two years primarily from cash flow generated from operations, together with existing cash balances and supplemented by market borrowings, whenever required.  As of March 31, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of  Rs.908 million and liquid short-term investments in bank deposits of Rs.486 million.  We anticipate capital expenditures of approximately Rs.2,004 million in fiscal year 2013.  We do not expect to have any liquidity problem in regard of possible adverse results in our pending litigations, as we would expect to discharge any obligations from cash in hand.  We have significant amounts due from related parties, which if not settled, would significantly impact cash flow from operations.  We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents and funds generated from operations will be sufficient to meet these requirements. However, we may significantly alter our proposed capital expenditures plans and accordingly, may require additional financing to meet our requirements. In either case, we cannot give any assurance that additional financing will be available at all or, if available, that such financing will be obtained on terms favorable to us or that any additional financing will not be dilutive to our shareholders.




Operating Activities




Net cash flow from operating activities was Rs.(112.26) billion in the 2011 fiscal year and Rs.( 14.51) billion in the 2012 fiscal year. The increase in cash generation from operating activities during the 2012 fiscal year is primarily attributable to a decrease in payment to related party payables by Rs. 108 billion from Rs.(104.86) billion during the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.3 billion for the 2012 fiscal year.  Net cash flow from operating activities was Rs.13.16 billion in the 2010 fiscal year and Rs.(112.26) billion in the 2011 fiscal year. The decrease in cash generation from operating activities during the 2011 fiscal year is primarily attributable to a decrease in related party payables by Rs.104.86 billion from Rs.124.86 billion during the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.20 billion for the 2011 fiscal year.




Investing Activities




Net cash used in investing activities increased from Rs 37.92  billion for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.(7.79) billion for the 2012 fiscal year.  This is mostly due to the decrease in proceeds received from short term bank deposits of Rs.(27) million during the 2012 fiscal year as against Rs.47,376 million in 2011 fiscal year.  Net cash used in investing activities decreased from Rs.13.52 billion for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.(37.92) billion for the 2011 fiscal year.  This is mostly due to the increase in proceeds received from short term bank deposits of Rs.47.38 billion during the 2011 fiscal year as against Rs.(1.11) billion in 2010 fiscal year.




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Financing Activities




Net cash flow from financing activities had  decreased from Rs.74.56 billion for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.21.92 for the 2012 fiscal year. This decrease is on account of a reduction in borrowings from Rs.75 billion for the 2011 fiscal year to Rs.22 billion for the 2012 fiscal year.Net cash flow from financing activities had increased from nil for the 2010 fiscal year to Rs.74.56 billion for the 2011fiscal year. This increase is on account of a long term loan of Rs.55.34 billion and bank overdraft of Rs.19.22 billion taken during the 2011 fiscal year.




Capital Expenditure




See “Property, Plants and Equipment – Network Modernization” for a discussion of our capital requirements for capital expenditures.




5C.  Research and Development





We did not incur research and development expenditures in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.




5D.  Trend Information





For a discussion of other important trends affecting us, see “—Operating Results—Overview” above.




5E.  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements





As of March 31, 2012, we were not a financial guarantor of obligations of any unconsolidated entity, and we were not a party to any similar off-balance sheet obligation or arrangement.




5F.  Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations





The following table shows our contractual payment obligations as of March 31, 2012, and the effect of such obligations for the specified future periods:




(in million of Rs.)

Payments due by periodTotal


Less than

1 year


1-3 years


3-5 years


More than

5 yearsPurchase obligations (capital commitments)


2,004



2,004



-



-



-Pension and other post-retirement obligations


105,912



7,201



22,616



22,055



54,040Long term debts obligations


70,000



-



13,500



35,150



21,350Total


177,916



9,205



36,116



57,205



75,390




We are obligated to pay license fees and spectrum charges to the DoT in accordance with conditions governing license fees for Basic Telephone Service and Cellular Telephone Service under the Revenue Sharing Regime. The specified percentage for license fees on fixed line services and cellular services was 10% of the Adjusted Gross Revenue (“AGR”) for each of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.




We do not expect to have any difficulty repaying such amounts of contractual obligations, and may do so entirely from cash flow generated from operations. The outstanding long term loan from banks as of March 31, 2012 carries a moratorium period of three years during which we are contracted to pay only the interest obligation. The repayment of principal is due from the 2014 fiscal year onwards.




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As of March 31, 2012, we had bank overdrafts of Rs.26,480  million and long term loans of Rs 70,000 million, see Notes 21 and 22 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements in this report.




5G.  Safe Harbor





See Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information on page i of this report.




Item 6.
Directors, Senior Management and Employees




6A.  Directors and Senior Management


The government of India controls MTNL and has the power to elect all of our directors and to determine the outcome of almost all actions requiring approval of our board of directors or shareholders.  The Department of  Telecommunications, as the representative of our majority shareholder, the government of India, also has the authority to exercise the special powers granted to the President of  India under our articles of association.  These include the right to appoint our Chairman-and-Managing Director and to issue directives with respect to our business.  See Item 10B.  “Memorandum and Articles of Association-Powers of the President of India” in this report.




Directors




The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the administration and management of our affairs, except for certain matters that are reserved by our articles of association for the approval of  the President of India.  Our articles of association provide for a board of not less than four and not more than 18 directors.  The President of India is empowered by Article 66A of our articles of association to appoint one-third of the total number of our directors sitting at any time for an indefinite term and to designate our Chairman-and-Managing Director.  Our remaining directors are also appointed by the government of  India and non-official part time directors serve for three-year terms.  One-third of these set term directors retire each year at our annual general meeting, and are eligible to stand for re-election.




We currently have twelve directors. Four of our directors also are our most senior officers, who we refer to as “full-time directors”.  Two directors are  officers of the DoT.  The remaining six directors are neither our employees nor employees of the DoT, who we refer to as “part-time” directors”.  All of our directors were appointed by the DoT.  Our Executive Director, Mumbai, Executive Director, Delhi, Executive director (Technical) and Executive Director (Wireless) are normally ex-officio members of the Board.  Two full time director board seats are currently vacant.




The business address of each of the directors is our registered office.  The names of our current directors, their ages and their positions as of June 30, 2012 were:




Name
Age
Position
Term ExpiresA.K. Garg
58
Director(1)/Chairman and Managing Director
December 2014Kuldip Singh
58
Director(1) / Director (Technical)
December 2014Anita Soni (Ms.)
59
Director(1) / Director (Finance)
May 2013S.P. Pachauri
59
Director(1) / Director (HR)
December 2012Adit Jain
51
Director (3)(4)
July 2012V.S. Iyer
51
Director (3)(4)
July 2012Dr. Rajan Saxena
62
Director (3)
March 2013Malay Shrivastava
47
Director(2)/Joint Secretary, DOT
Unlimited termT.S.Narayanasami
63
Director (3)(4)
March  2013Vijay Aggarwal
63
Director (3)
March  2013S.K.Shingal
64
Director(3)
May, 2015K.S. Bariar
43
Director(2)
Unlimited term




(1) Full-time director


(2) Government director


(3) Part-time director


(4) Audit Committee member




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Mr A.K. Garg become our Chairman and Managing Director on December 5, 2011. Prior thereto, Mr Garg had been Director (HR), BSNL. Since 1977 he has vast experience of 34 years in the DoT/BSNL. During his tenure, he has worked in various capacities as General Manager, Chief General Manager and Director, BSNL Board and possesses wide experience in human resources, creation / promotion of new services, lines and new streams for DoT/BSNL with strategic expertise in the field formation as well in Circle/Corporate office. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in leading small and large functional teams to study and achieve specific business goals. As Chief General Manager, CTD, at Kolkata and CGM Kolkata Telephones, he led a large change management process encompassing installation, QOS improvement, HR, Marketing and Finance, in addition to being instrumental in optimizing the GSM network. He holds a B.E. Degree in Electronics & Communications and Master in Communications Systems from University of Roorkee.




Mr. Kuldip Singh has been our Director(Technical) and a member of our Board since December 9, 2004, having served as Chairman and Managing Director from January 2010 through December 2011. Mr. Singh joined the Indian telecom services in 1979. He has more than 32 years experience in the field of computers and telecommunications. Before being appointed as Director (T) on our Board, he worked as GM in MTNL for more than four years.  Prior to this, he worked in the DoT, Overseas Communication Services and National Informatic Centre in various responsible positions.  He holds an engineering degree in electronics and telecommunications from the Institute of Electronics and Telecom Engineering, New Delhi, and an MBA with finance specialization from IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University).




Ms. Anita Soni has been our Director (Finance) since April 2005.  Ms. Soni joined Indian P & T (Accounts & Finance) Service in 1977. She has more than 30 years experience as a senior finance executive in Indian P & T (Accounts & Finance) Service.  Before joining MTNL as Director (Finance), she held positions in the DoT, TRAI and BSNL and has experience in all aspects of telecom finance.  She is on the panel of experts of the International Telecom Union (ITU), and has participated in various ITU projects.  She holds a Master of Arts (Economics Honors) from Punjab University.




Mr. S.P. Pachauri has been our Director (HR) since December 2007.  Prior thereto, he had held various positions as GM (Mobile Services) in MTNL, and various positions in different parts of India, including Director, telecom project at Lucknow Circle, GMT Kashmir at Jammu and Kashmir circle, and Project Manager (OFC) TSCL.  He holds a B.E. and a M.E. in electronics and communications from Roorkee University.




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Mr. Adit Jain has been a member of our Board since July 31, 2009.  Since 2007, he has been Chairman of IMA India, a business information company.  Previously, he was employed at Lazard India, an investment bank, serving as Vice President and Head, Corporate Advisory Services, and was responsible for the mergers and acquisition business.  He also is non-executive Director on the corporate board of Sanmar Group, Shrirman Transport Finance Company Ltd., Indosolar Ltd., PR Pundit Public Relations Ltd. and BMR Associates.  He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Centre for Civil Society, an independent free market think-tank and the Adit Jain Foundation.  He holds a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Firia Institute of Technology and an MBA from the Henley Management College, UK.





Mr. V. S. Iyer has been a member of our Board since July 31, 2009.  He is a Chartered Accountant having more than 26 years of experience in managerial positions in the areas of corporate finance and internal audits at major corporations, including Mukta Arts Limited, Cox & Kings Ltd. and Tata Oil Mills Ltd.  From 1993 to 2006, he worked with Prebon Yamane Group of companies.  He is a director of Ruttonsha International Rectifiers Limited.  He holds a post-graduate degree in Commerce from Bombay University.





Dr. Rajan Saxena has been a member of the Board since March 2010. He was a Director of IIM, Indore, S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research and Dean of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, having more than 35 years of professional experience in management education, research, consulting and institution building.Dr. Saxena currently serves on or has been on the advisory and corporate board of several institutions and companies including Centre for Management Education, AIMA, Army Management Board, State Advisory Board of Education of Government of Madhya Pradesh, Indore Management Association, ABV-IITM and Gwalior.  He was a member of All India Board of Management Studies of AICTE (2000-2003), on the Executive Board of Association of Indian Management Schools, and Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia.  Dr. Saxena is also an Independent Director on the Board of Lodha Developers Ltd. and Anuyi Chemicals Limited.  He holds bachelor and master degrees in Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Delhi School of Economics.





Mr. Malay Shrivastava is an IAS officer of M.P.Cadre of 1990 batch. Prior to joining IAS in 1990, he has served M/s BHEL during 1985-88 and Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) through Combined Engineering Services Exam during 1988-90. Mr. Shrivastava has joined the DoT as Joint Secretary, Telecom in October 2010. Before becoming Joint Secretary, he has worked as Assistant Collector, SDM, Additional Collector, Distt. Collector, Managing Director, M.P State Coop. Marketing Federation & M.P. State Coop. Oil Federation, Registrar, Coop. Societies M.P., Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Development, M.P, PS to Minister of State for Personnel, PG & Pensions, Govt. of India, Director, Ministry of Power, Govt. of India, PS to Minister of State for Power, Govt. of India, New Delhi. Mr. Shrivastava holds a degree in engineering from Barkhatullah University of Bhopal, where he was a gold medalist, and became a licensed Mechanical Engineer in 1985.





Mr. T. S. Narayanasami has been a member of our Board since March 2010.  He has been a Director of Asset Management Company of Axis Mutual Fund  (Axis Bank) and Managing Director and CEO of United Stock Exchange of India Ltd.  From June 2007 through May 2009, he was Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank of India.  Prior thereto, Mr. Narayanasami had served as Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Overseas Bank (June 2005-May 2007), Chairman and Managing Director, Andhra Bank (April 2004-May 2005), and Executive Director, Punjab National Bank (Dec. 2000-April 2004).  He also acted as Chairman of the Managing Committee of Indian Bank’s Association in 2008 and 2009, and President of the Governing Council of the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance.




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Dr. Vijay Aggarwal has been a member of our Board since March 2010.  He is a Professor and Chairperson of Operations Management at the Management Development Institute, Gurgaon.  He had been Director General of Consultancy Development Center (an enterprise of the DSIR, Government of India), S. P. Jain Chair Professor at the FMS (University of Delhi), Dean of National Management Program (NMP) at MDI (Gurgaon) and Professor at the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc, Bangalore).  Dr. Aggarwal also created the Center for International Management.  He holds a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Operations Research and Computer Science from Case Western Reserve University (USA).





Mr. Sushil Kumar Shingal has been a member of our Board since May 2012. He had joined the Customs and Central Excise Service in 1970 retiring on March 31, 2008 as Chairman, Central Board of Excise and Customs, New Delhi. He holds a Master of Arts (History) degree from Meerut University.





Mr. Kumar Sanjay Bariar has been a Government Director on our Board of Directors since May 17, 2012. He is Deputy Director General (Licensing Finance) in the DOT, Ministry of Communication & IT, Government of India, since January, 2012. He joined the Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service through the Indian Civil Service Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in 1993. He has over 18 years of work experience in almost all areas of Financial Management of Telecom at senior decision making levels in the DoT. He has also served as Joint Secretary in the Union Public Service Commission and as Chief Vigilance Officer in the National Consumer’s Cooperative Federation under the Ministry of Food, Public Distribution & Consumer Affairs. Mr. Bariar’s career profile also includes holding of various portfolios dealing with Strategic Business Planning, Telecom Revenue, Finance Coordination, Staff & Establishment, Budget & Accounts, Financial policy & Advice, Licensing of Telecom Services and related issues, Conduct of competitive examinations for recruitment in the Government of India & Promotions/Selection (at UPSC), Vigilance etc. Mr. Bariar holds a post-graduate in Science with a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) & Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB).








Other Principal Executive Officers




The business address of each of our principal executive officers is our registered office.  In addition to the four officers who also are members of the Board of Directors, our other principal executive officers and their ages and positions as of March 31, 2012 were:




Name
Age
PositionS.R. Sayal
49
Company SecretaryManjit Singh
59
Executive Director (Delhi)Peeyush Agrawal
55
Executive Director (Mumbai)A.K. Pathak
59
Executive Director (Technical)A.K. Bhargava
57
Executive Director (Wireless)





Mr. S.R. Sayal has been our Company Secretary since October 2006, having previously served as Dy. Company Secretary since August 1997.  Prior to joining MTNL as Dy. Company Secretary in 1997, he worked for National Fertilizers Ltd. (a Government of India enterprise) and other private sector companies in legal, secretarial and accounting departments.  Mr. Sayal is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.  Mr. Sayal holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) Master of Arts (English) degree from Delhi University and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Agra University.




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Mr. Manjit Singh has been our Executive Director (Delhi) since August 2009, previously serving MTNL in various positions since 2003, including as Principal General Manager (Operations).  From 1977 to 2003, he held various positions managing large telecom networks.  He holds a B.E. in Electronics and Communications from the Indian Institute of Technology.




Mr. Peeyush Agrawal has been our Executive Director (Mumbai) since February 2011, previously serving us as Chief General Manager (Land line Services) from 2009 and in various other positions since 2002.  He has extensive experience in the field of Telecom in Wireless, GSM, 3G and Broadband.  He holds a bachelors degree in Electronic & Telecommunication from University of Roorkee (with Honors) and an M.B.A. with Gold Medal in Marketing Management.




Mr. A. K. Pathak has been our Executive Director (Technical) since January 2010.  He is responsible for planning, procurement and operations of all the our telecom services, and also for managing technological changes.  From 1993 to 1998, he served at the DoT in various positions covering all fields of telecommunications, including operations, development, licensing and management of telecom networks.  He holds a B.E. in Electronics and Communications Engineering and a Masters degree in Communications and Radar Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.




Mr. A.K. Bhargava has been our ED (Wireless Services) since April 2011.  Prior thereto, he held various positions in MTNL namely CGM (WS), GM (IT) and GM (West I).  Before joining MTNL he had held various assignments in DoT, TCIL.  Assam Circle and TEC.  He has worked in PTC Zimbabwe for five years as Team Leader TCIL.  He has done advance professional course in Public Administrative from IIPA.  He holds a B.E. (Hons.) in Electronics from BITS Pilani, Diploma in Management from AIMA and M. Phil. from Punjab University.




None of our directors or executive officers has any family relationship with any other director or executive officer.




6B. Compensation




Compensation of Directors and Officers




The total remuneration and benefits in kind paid by us to our executive officers, including those who also are directors, as a group in the 2012 fiscal year was approximately Rs.7.63 million.





The full-time directors, including the Chairman-cum-Managing Director, are appointed by the Government and receive compensation pursuant to the terms of their appointment.  The other directors receive a fee of Rs.10,000 for every meeting of the Board or Committee attended by them. For the 2012 fiscal year, the aggregate fees paid to directors who were not also executive officers of MTNL were Rs.1.07 million.




There are no outstanding loans, advances or guarantees of any amounts to our directors or principal officers, nor any equity based compensation plans covering such persons.  There have been no transactions effected by us during the current or immediately preceding fiscal year, and there were no transactions effected during an earlier financial year that remain in any respect outstanding or unperformed, between us and any of our directors or principal officers which were unusual in their nature or conditions or significant to our business. In addition, there are no arrangements for benefits upon termination of service or employment by any director or executive officer with us except those normal retirement benefits applicable to our employees.




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6C.  Board Practices





We have the following committees of our Board of Directors:  Audit Committee and Shareholders’/Investors’ Grievances Committee, Remuneration Committee, HR Committee, Business Development Committee and Finance Committee.  By reason of the Government’s ownership position, we do not have a Compensation Committee or a Nominating Committee.  See Item 16G.  “Corporate Governance” in this report.




Audit Committee




The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews, acts on and reports to the Board of Directors with respect to the various auditing and accounting matters, including the recommendation of our independent auditors, the scope of the annual audits, fees to be paid to the independent auditors, the performance of our independent auditors, our accounting practices and our financial and risk management policies.  The current members of the Audit Committee are T.S. Narayanasami as Chairman, V.S. Iyer, and Adit Jain.  All members of the Audit Committee including the Chairman are “financial experts” in accordance with NYSE and SEC rules.  See Item 16G. “Corporate Governance” in this report. Clause 49 of the Indian Listing Agreement addresses the duties, role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee.




Shareholders’ Investors’ Grievance Committee




The Shareholders’ Investors’ Grievance Committee oversees reports received from the registrar and transfer agent, as well as overseeing their performance, and facilitates the prompt and effective resolution of complaints from our shareholders and investors.  This Committee consists of V.S. Iyer as Chairman, Vijay Aggarwal as member, and S.R. Sayal, as Secretary.




6D.  Employees





As of March 31, 2012, we had approximately 41,600 employees, of whom approximately 5,900 were executive and approximately 35,700 were non-executive employees.  We seek to improve employee productivity through continuing education and training and by emphasizing the importance of quality of service and subscriber satisfaction.  We have placed a special emphasis on retraining our workforce to meet the demands of modernizing our network and improving customer satisfaction.




In general, employees receive a base salary and salary-related housing and other allowances, productivity based incentive payments and certain benefits, including a pension/gratuity plan, medical benefits for themselves and certain members of their immediate families and post-retirement medical benefits for retired employees.  The decrease in our staff costs was primarily due to a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) in previous years and a decrease in retirement benefit charges on account of an increase in the discount rate used to value our post retirement obligations to employees.  This is in line with the general increase in interest rates in the economy over the same period.




The Pay and Allowance arrangement expired on December 31, 2006, and the compensation arrangements have continued at the prior levels.  The government of India, by Memorandum, dated November 26, 2008, and by supplementary/clarification memoranda, dated February 9, 2009 and April 2, 2009, issued orders for revision of the pay structure of the executives and non-unionized supervisors in the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSEs).  These orders generally gave directions to merge the old basic pay with the new prescribed pay scale.  We implemented such orders as of May 2010.  As of May 2010, management decided to revise the pay structure as ordered with 30% maximum stipulated by the Government with effect of January 1, 2007.  We included a reserve of Rs.690 million in our financial statements for the 2009 fiscal year as the estimated per annum financial impact that may result on account of a possible 20% pay adjustment together with consequential increase in the actuarial provisions to meet future related pension benefits.




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In the 2000 fiscal year, substantially all of our non-executive employees originally employed by the DOT decided to terminate their services with the DoT and accept employment with us with effective from November 1998.  Under the option given to them for pension benefits, most of our absorbed employees have opted for retaining pension benefits in accordance with the Central government pension rules and some other employees have opted for retirement rules which as applicable to our directly recruited employees, and opt to draw pro rata until their absorption.  Accordingly, with effect from November 1, 1998 we started accruing for pension and gratuity for these employees.  In August/September 2002, the DoT indicated that the government would pay for the pension benefits of the government employees absorbed by us who opted for either the Central government scheme of pension or for the pro ratapension scheme for the period served with the DoT.  However, the terms of such payments are in the process of finalization.  Once these terms are finalized and the payments are made to DoT for the period of employment of these employees with us, we expect that our liability for post retirement obligations would be limited to monthly contributions on the basis of the rules to be prescribed by the government of India.  Until now, in the absence of any further movement from the Government, we are discharging all such liabilities. However, the attention of the government of India has focused on this issue in the 2012 fiscal year.  Efforts are being made to get the issue of payment of pension to MTNL absorbed employees from the Government or a Government controlled trust, and are under very active consideration. The staff side and MTNL management are interacting on this issue, and with DoT officials who are also coordinating on this issue with various levels of the Government and through correspondence.  We hope to reach settlement on this issue in the current fiscal year.




The pension and gratuity to our non-executives employees are defined benefit plans, the cost and liability, for which are based on an actuarial valuation. Further we introduced a ‘MTNL retired employee’s medical facility scheme’ for employees with effect from January 1, 2002. The scheme was initially introduced for a period of 12 weeks and was subsequently extended every year by orders issued by the competent officials. The cost and liability of the medical benefit plan for its retired employees is based on an actuarial valuation. We entered into an agreement with ICICI Lombard for its medical coverage for the period from April 1, 2006. ICICI Lombard subsequently expressed their inability to continue with the scheme and finally the agreement was discontinued from September 2, 2006. The earlier scheme was reinstated thereafter. The medical scheme is a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Medical Plan”). In accordance with the Medical Plan, retirees are entitled to receive reimbursements limited to half of the monthly salary drawn by the employee on the date of retirement and reimbursement of hospitalization charges in any year through insurance company under RECGHIS (Retirement Employee Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme) 2008. (Effective October, 2008). In 2011, we introduced the new medical benefit plan for our employees with effect from March 10, 2011 by entering into an agreement with insurance company which is a contributory scheme in nature and where our liability is restricted to the insurance premium payable to the insurance company.




Prior to the absorption (in the year 2000), General Provident Fund was being maintained by the DoT.  Subsequent to absorption of employees in MTNL, the amount contributed by employees towards General Provident Fund was claimed by us along with accrued interest to the DoT. We have raised claims amounting to Rs.13,541 million on the DoT up to March 31, 2012 (2011: Rs.12,781 million) in respect of employee contributions (pre absorption) together with the interest accrued.




Subsequent to absorption, in the absence of any rules available for deposit of such employee contributions, we have retained the amounts contributed by employees. These funds are not restricted and could be used to fund our activities until such time that the funds must be transferred to the GPF Trust. During the 2006 fiscal year a GPF Trust had been created and Rs.4,340 million had been transferred to GPF Trust.




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Approximately 98% of our executive employees have accepted absorption by us, and are now our direct employees.  These employees are entitled to certain pension and gratuity benefits from the government of India.




In 2004, we finalized a new compensation structure for our senior executive employees.  The new structure provided for higher salaries and benefits for our senior executive employees upon exercise of their option for our absorption. During the 2006 fiscal year, we gave an option to our executive employees (Category A) for absorption with effect from October 1, 2000, at a revised pay scale that is higher than the existing pay scale. Out of approximately 1,218 Group A employees currently working in MTNL, 65 employees have exercised their option as of March 31, 2006 and have been absorbed in MTNL. The offer for absorption provided that in addition to getting the post retirement benefits like gratuity and leave encashment subsequent to absorption, the employee would have to opt for either pension based on the government rules or provident fund based on the company policy. A case has been filed by the Indian Telecom Service Association (acting on behalf of Group A officers) with the High court appealing for the stay order against absorption of Group A employees on the contention that terms and conditions of absorption are not clear. The High Court has subsequently passed a stay order against further absorption of Group A employees. Pending finalization of the terms of absorption, during the 2006 fiscal year, we have provisionally accrued a charge of amounting to Rs.25.39 million on account of revised pay scales for the executive employees who exercised the option up to that date. However, no claims have been raised by us on the DoT for the related retirement costs pending finalization of terms of absorption and outcome of the court case.




As a public sector enterprise, we abide by general DoT and Department of Public Sector Enterprises personnel policies, which, among other things, limit our ability to reduce employment levels and control the amount of salaries and other remuneration that we may pay to our employees.  Our employee productivity measured by access lines in service per employee has been increasing steadily but remains significantly lower than the Asian and global averages.




The mandatory retirement age for all employees is 60 years of age.  Upon retirement, employees (who have opted for government pension) and their dependents are entitled to a pension under a defined benefit plan.  The pension amount is based on the employee’s years of service and salary level upon retirement and, in a reduced amount, is transferable to dependents upon the employee’s death.  We also provide post-retirement health care benefits to retired employees and their dependents.  Effective October 2008, we implemented a Retired Employee Contribution Group Health Insurance scheme for a one year period.  Further, effective March 10, 2011, we also implemented a Medical Insurance Policy for our working employees.




Almost all of our non-executive employees are members of local unions organized in each of Delhi and Mumbai.  Over the last three years we have not experienced any material work stoppage and we consider our relationship with our employees and the labor unions to be good.  Our executive employees seconded from the DoT are members of national officers’ associations, which act as an informal consultative mechanism for conveying management staff’s views regarding personnel policies to our senior executives.




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In order to deal with the new realities of competitive marketplace, we have launched a massive training effort to train our workforce.  Training design has been so modified to tilt the balance of training from knowledge to skill and attitude, which are key to succeed in a customer-driven marketplace.  During the 2012 fiscal year, approximately 10,400 employees were trained as against the MoU target of7,000employees. In addition to already existing District Telecom Training Centers (DTTC), our Center for Excellence in Telecom Technology and Management (CETTM) has been established as a state of the art facility to impart technical, managerial and corporate training to telecom and management personnel of Mumbai and Delhi units.  CETTM caters to our training needs as well as other organizations like railways, National Thermal Power Corporation, State Bank of India and other corporate clients.  CETTM has been empanelled by the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India, to provide customized training to participants from countries under ITEC-SCAAP Indian Technical Education Cooperation-Special Commonwealth African assistance program.  This Center is an ISO 9001:  2000 Certified institution.  The CETTM complex has 17 lecture halls, 22 technology labs, conference rooms with board room integration, RFID based modern library and an ultra modern auditorium.  CETTM is equipped with a hostel complex for residential programmes having 408 AC and non-AC rooms and 27 executives suites to house the trainees.  CETTM has signed MOUs with Novell and others for conducting IT training leading to certification courses like NCLP.




6E.  Share Ownership





None of our directors or connected persons or our principal executive officers owned any of our equity shares as of the date of this report.




Item 7.
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions




7A.  Major Shareholders





The following table sets forth information about the shareholders that beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding equity shares as of March 31, 2012, according to our register of shareholders:




Name of Owner
Number of Shares(3)
Percentage(3)Government of India (1)
354,378,740
56.25%Life Insurance Corporation of India (2)
118,515,213
18.81%




(1)
The equity shares owned by the government of India are registered in the name of the President of India or his nominees in our register of shareholders




(2)
Held directly and indirectly by Life Insurance Corporation of India, which is also controlled by the government of India.




(3)
On March 31, 2012, 630,000,000 common shares were outstanding.




During the past three years there has not been any change in the share ownership by the government of India, and the share ownership changes by the Life Insurance Corporation of India have not been significant.  As of March 31, 2012, approximately 91.71% of the outstanding Common Shares were held by approximately 156,084 record holders with addresses in India, and approximately 8.29% of our equity shares were held of record by persons with addresses outside of India (including Foreign Institutional Investors).  All holders have the right of one vote for each equity share held.  See Item 10B. “Memorandum and Articles of Association-Voting Rights” in this report.  We are not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control.




Our American Depository Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Each ADS currently represents two equity shares. Our ADSs are registered with the SEC pursuant to Section 12(b) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The total number of record holders of our equity shares in India as of March 31, 2012were 156,084evidencing 577,746,655 equity shares.  As at March 31, 2012, as reported by our depositary, there were five registered holders of ADSs in the United States, evidencing 13,889,980 ADSs (equivalent to 27,779,960 equity shares).




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Our equity shares can be held by Foreign Institutional Investors or FIIs, and Non Resident Indians or NRIs, who are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or SEBI, and the Reserve Bank of India, or RBI. Approximately 8.29% of our equity shares are held by these FIIs and NRIs, of which some of them may be residents or bodies corporate registered in the United States and elsewhere. We are not aware of which FIIs and NRIs hold our equity shares as residents or as corporate entities registered in the United States.




7B.  Related party transactions


The related parties are the government of India (principal owners), other agencies of the government of India and the principal executives and directors of the company.  We tend to have number of  transactions on routine basis with related parties- for instance, investments, payment of licence fees, loans and advances etc. For additional information on Related Party Transactions, please refer to Note 20 of the notes to the consolidated financial statementswhich appear elsewhere in this report. Since the intra balances and transactions with subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation, the financial statements do not include transactions with and among our consolidated subsidiaries.





We have a number of distinct relationships with the government of India as outlined below:




The Government of India as Shareholder




The government of India currently owns 56.25% of our outstanding equity shares and has the right to designate members of our Board of Directors.  The government of India also controls the Life Insurance Corporation of India, a holder of our equity shares. Accordingly, the government of India will continue to have the ability to control us, elect all of our directors and determine the outcome of substantially all actions requiring the approval of our board of directors or shareholders.




The government of India had announced its intention to divest its shareholdings in a number of government companies by offering significant equity stakes in those companies to strategic partners through a competitive bidding process.  To date, there have been no announcements that the government of India plans to reduce its shareholding in us through this process.  The government of India also expressed that we should be combined with BSNL, which is wholly-owned by the Government, because of our recent losses and future operating efficiencies. TheDoT has set up a committee under the chairmanship of DoT Secretary R. Chandraskehar to oversee the required policy decisions and institutional framework for an alliance. However, the merger with BSNL, which was long overdue by the DOT,  has been put on hold now by the DoT because of various issues.The synergy would allow us to cut costs. It would also allow subscribers of both the companies to roam freely on each other's network, with the exception of interconnect charges.  The DoT is also exploring the synergy among other firms including ITI, CDoT and TCIL with BSNL and MTNL.




The DoT acts as representative of our majority shareholder, the government of India.  The DOT also has the authority to exercise the special powers granted to the President of India under our articles of association.  These include the right to appoint our Chairman and Managing Director and to issue directives with respect to our business.  See Item 10B. “Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Powers of the President of India” in this report.




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The Government of India as Regulator




Our business is subject to comprehensive regulation by the Ministry of Communications through the Telecom Commission and the DOT pursuant to the provisions of the Telegraph Act and the terms of the licenses under which we operate.  While the Telegraph Act sets the legal framework for regulation of the telecommunications sector, much of our supervision and regulation is implemented more informally through the general administrative powers of the DoT, including those reserved to the DOT under our license, and of other government of India agencies.  In March 1997, an autonomous body, the TRAI, was established with quasi-judicial powers to regulate telecommunications services in India.  See Item 4. “Information on the Company— Telecommunications Regulation in India—The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India” in this report.




We operate all of our services under licenses granted by the DoT.  The licenses identify the services that we are permitted to provide, which we believe covers all of the services that we currently do provide.  A license for any additional service requires the approval of the DoT.  The DoT retains the right, however, after giving us appropriate notice, to modify the terms and conditions of our license at any time if, in its opinion, it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interest of the general public or for the proper operation of the telecommunications sector.  The DOT may also terminate our license before its scheduled expiration upon our breach of any of its terms.  Under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, the Telecom TRAI has been granted the authority to determine tariffs.




So long as the government of India’s shareholding in us equals or exceeds 51%, we are deemed to be an Indian government company under the Companies Act and are subject to regulations applicable to public sector enterprises in India.  These regulations concern personnel matters, including appointment of key management personnel and the hiring, dismissal and compensation of employees, as well as procurement, capital expenditures and the generation of funds through the issuance of securities.  For example, all appointments to our board of directors must first be recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board, a government agency, and its recommendations are reviewed by the government of India, although until recently all appointments to our board have been recommended only by the government of India.  All appointments to our board of directors are also approved by our shareholders.  Disputes between government of India enterprises (such as us) and government of India departments generally must be referred to the Committee on Disputes of the government of India for mediation before either party may bring a claim in a court of law.  However, with effect from March, 2011, the Ministry of Finance has dispensed with the prior requirement of obtaining the approval of the Committee of Disputes for pursuing litigation. A single government of India ministry or department is designated as the primary supervisor of each public sector enterprise and the DoT has been designated as our primary supervisor.  Our activities are also subject to review by India’s Parliament, and the DOT must submit an annual report to Parliament regarding our business activities.




The government of India plays an important role in the preparation of our financial statements.  Under Indian regulations, as a government of India company, our annual accounts are audited by statutory auditors and branch auditors which are independent chartered accountants appointed each year by the government of India at the direction of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.  See Item 10B.“Additional Information—Memorandum and Articles of Association—Audit and Annual Report “in this report.  In accordance with the government of India’s practice with respect to government of India companies, auditors have generally not been permitted to serve as our branch or statutory auditors for more than three consecutive years.  In addition, the Comptroller and Auditor General conducts an independent review of our financial statements that are audited by the statutory and branch auditors.  The annual report submitted to the Parliament includes a copy of our audit report and any comments upon or supplements to the audit report made by the Comptroller and Auditor General.




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The Government of India as Customer




The government of India purchases our services on a commercial basis, and government entities, in the aggregate, constitute the single largest user of our services.  The DoT sets the tariffs for these services, which are the same as our tariffs to our other customers.  However, certain limited categories of high-level government of India officials may not have their telephone connections disconnected for non-payment of bills.




Our Financing of the Department of Telecommunications




As a department of the government of India, the DoT cannot raise funds through external borrowings from non-government of India entities, and has historically depended on us to raise funds on its behalf for use in its telecommunications business.  By restructuring us as a corporation, the DoT was able to create a company, which could raise debt in the capital markets to be used to fund its telecommunications operations.  The Indian government guaranteed these borrowings and we on-lent the proceeds of the borrowings on terms substantially similar to the terms of the original loan.  As a result of the corporatization of the Department of Telecom Services into BSNL in October 2000, we no longer borrow funds on behalf of the DoT.  We have repaid all external borrowings that had made on behalf of the DoT/BSNL.




7C.  Interests of experts and counsel





None.




Item 8.
Financial Information




8A.  Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information





The following financial statements and auditors report appear under Item 18 in this report and are incorporated by reference:




·
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




·
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011and 2012




·
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements




Export Sales





The amount of export sales does not constitute a significant portion of the ours total sales volume.





Legal proceedings





This information is set forth under Item 4 under the heading “Legal Proceedings”.




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Dividends




Under Indian law, a company pays dividends upon a recommendation by its board of directors and approval of a majority of the shareholders at the annual general meeting of shareholders held within six months of the end of each fiscal year.  Shareholders have the right to decrease but not increase the dividend amount recommended by the board of directors.  Dividends may be paid out of company profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared after transfer to the reserves of a percentage of our profits for that year of not less than 2.5%.  The Companies Act further provides that, in the event of inadequacy or absence of profits in any year, a dividend may be declared for that year out of our accumulated profits, subject to certain limitations.




Our Board of Directors recommended against payment of any dividend for the 2012 fiscal year.




8B.  Significant Changes


None





Item 9.
The Offer and Listing




9A.  Offer and listing details





Our outstanding equity shares are listed on several Indian stock exchanges and were first quoted on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai on May 13, 1993.  Our equity shares are also traded on the National Stock Exchange in India.  Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol MTE, see Item 9C “Markets” below. Each ADS represents two equity shares. The Bank of New York Mellon serves as a depositary with respect to our ADSs traded on the market.  See Item 12D. “American Depositary Shares” in this report.






MARKET PRICE INFORMATION





The following table sets forth the high and low closing prices on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai for our equity shares for the periods indicated:




Share price

(Rs.)Calendar period

High


Low2008 Fiscal Year


219.45



112.602009 Fiscal Year


116.00



51.752010 Fiscal Year


123.70



65.802011 Fiscal Year


78.20



38.002012 Fiscal Year


53.00



22.502011  Fiscal YearFirst Quarter


78.20



51.80Second Quarter


70.35



55.00Third Quarter


72.75



49.55Fourth Quarter


58.45



38.002012 Fiscal YearFirst Quarter


53.00



40.80Second Quarter


48.80



31.45Third Quarter


32.20



22.50Fourth Quarter


35.70



22.70Last Six MonthsJanuary 2012


31.50



22.70February 2012


35.70



28.30March 2012


34.90



26.40April 2012


28.90



24.10May 2012


25.90



21.10June 2012


23.80



21.70July 2012 (through July 27)


30.80



20.70




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On July 27, 2012, the closing price of our equity shares on The Bombay Stock Exchange was Rs.29.25.




The table below shows the high and low closing prices on the New York Stock Exchange for our ADSs for the period indicated.




ADS priceCalendar Period

High US$


Low US$2008 Fiscal Year


10.75



4.622009 Fiscal Year


5.80



2.252010 Fiscal Year


5.02



2.692011 Fiscal Year


3.49



1.822012 Fiscal Year


2.43



0.79Calendar Period2011 Fiscal YearFirst Quarter


3.49



2.26Second Quarter


3.04



2.63Third Quarter


3.15



2.32Fourth Quarter


2.65



1.822012 Fiscal YearFirst Quarter


2.43



1.82Second Quarter


2.18



1.19Third Quarter


1.35



0.79Fourth Quarter


1.38



0.83Last Six MonthsJanuary 2012


1.22



0.86February 2012


1.38



1.10March 2012


1.31



1.00April 2012


1.09



0.89May 2012


0.94



0.71June 2012


0.87



0.76July 2012 (through July 27)


1.12



0.77




On July 27, 2012, the closing price of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange was US$1.06.




9B.  Plan of Distribution





Not applicable




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9C.  Markets





Our outstanding equity shares are listed on several Indian stock exchanges and were first quoted on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai on May 13, 1993.  Our equity shares are also traded on the National Stock Exchange in India.  Our ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.




On March 30, 2012, the closing price of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange was U.S.$1.02  per ADS.  Our NYSE symbol is MTE.  Each ADS represents two equity shares. The Bank of New York Mellon serves as a depositary with respect to our ADSs traded on the market.




In January 2012, the NYSE advised us that the stock price of our ADSs fell below the NYSE continued listing criteria for minimum price of $1.00 per share over a 30 days period and that failure to cure would result in delisting. In March, 2012, we cured the minimum price deficiency. However, in June 2012, the NYSE advised us of a new price deficiency. We are considering our options of delisting our ADSs from the NYSE and terminating our reporting with the SEC, subject to meeting one of the applicable standards.  A delisting from the NYSE could reduce the liquidity of our ADSs. A termination in SEC reporting to become “information supplying” under an exemption from the SEC reporting would reduce the information about us available to US investors. See Item 12D. “American Depositary Shares” in this report.




THE INDIAN SECURITIES MARKET





The information in this section has been extracted from publicly available documents from various sources, including officially prepared materials from the Securities and Exchange Board of India, The Bombay Stock Exchange, and the National Stock Exchange, and has not been prepared or independently verified by us or any of our affiliates or advisers.




The Indian Securities Market




India has a long history of organized securities trading.  In 1875, the first stock exchange was established in Mumbai.




The Securities and Exchange Board of India




India’s stock exchanges are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) under the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.  The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules regulate the recognition of stock exchanges, the qualifications for membership and the manner in which contracts are entered into and enforced between members.




The main objective of the SEBI, which was established by the government of India in February 1992, is to promote the development of and regulate the Indian securities markets and protect the interests of investors.  The SEBI may make or amend an exchange’s bye-laws and rules, overrule an exchange’s governing body and withdraw recognition of an exchange.  In the past, the SEBI’s regulation of market practices was limited.  The Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 granted the SEBI powers to regulate the business of Indian securities markets, including stock exchanges and other financial intermediaries, promote and monitor self-regulatory organizations, prohibit fraudulent and unfair trade practices and insider trading, and regulate substantial acquisitions of shares and takeovers of companies.  The SEBI has also issued:




·
guidelines concerning minimum disclosure requirements by public companies;




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·
rules and regulations concerning:




·
investor protection, insider trading, substantial acquisitions of shares and takeovers of companies, buybacks of securities, employee stock option schemes, foreign capital market issues, derivative instruments and sweat equity; and




·
debenture trustees, depositaries, development financial institutions, venture capital funds, foreign institutional investors, stockbrokers, underwriters, merchant bankers, portfolio managers, mutual funds, credit rating agencies and other capital market participants; and




·
rules and regulations regarding the prohibition of fraudulent and unfair trade practices relating to the securities market.




The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act has been amended to include derivatives of securities and instruments of collective investment in the definition of “securities.” This has been done with a view to develop and regulate the markets for derivatives.  Trading in index-linked futures currently takes place on the National Stock Exchange and The Stock Exchange, Mumbai.  Trading in individual stock futures that have been notified by SEBI is now permitted.  The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules 1957 were amended on June 4, 2010 to make it mandatory for all listed companies in India to have a minimum public shareholding of 25%.




Public Company Regulation




Under the Companies Act, a public offering of securities in India must generally be made by means of a prospectus, which must contain information specified in the Companies Act and be filed with the Registrar of Companies having jurisdiction over the place where a company’s registered office is situated.  A company’s directors and promoters may be subject to civil and criminal liability for misstatements in a prospectus.  The Companies Act also sets forth procedures for the acceptance of subscriptions and the allotment of securities among subscribers and establishes maximum commission rates for the sale of securities.




The SEBI has issued detailed guidelines concerning disclosures by public companies and investor protection.  These guidelines permit existing listed companies to price freely their issues of securities, though the pricing of initial public offerings is subject to certain restrictions.  All new issues governed by the SEBI guidelines are conditional upon a minimum subscription requirement of 90.0% of the securities being issued.  Promoters of companies are required to retain a certain minimum certified holding of equity share capital, which is subject to a lock-in for three years.  Further, existing shareholders of the company, who are not promoters, are subject to a lock-in of one year from the date of the initial public offering.  No issuance of bonus shares is permitted within 12 months of any public issue or rights issue.




Public limited companies are required under the Companies Act to prepare, file with the Registrar of Companies and circulate to their shareholders audited annual accounts, which comply with the Companies Act’s disclosure requirements and regulations governing their manner of presentation.  In addition, a listed company is subject to continuing disclosure requirements pursuant to the terms of its listing agreement with the relevant stock exchange.  Listed companies are now required to publish quarterly unaudited financial results that are reviewed by an outside auditor in accordance with a prescribed standard for non-audit reviews.




Listing




The listing of securities on a recognized Indian stock exchange is regulated by the Securities Contract Rules.




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Under the standard terms of stock exchange listing agreements, the governing body of each stock exchange is empowered to suspend trading of or dealing in a listed security for breach of the company’s obligations under such agreement, subject to the company receiving prior notice of the intent of the exchange.  In the event that a suspension of a company’s securities continues for a period in excess of three months, the company may appeal to the SEBI to set aside the suspension.  The SEBI has the power to veto stock exchange decisions in this regard.




The SEBI has issued the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Delisting of Securities) Guidelines, 2003, which sets forth the procedure for delisting of securities in the following circumstances:




·
voluntary delisting sought by the promoters of a company;




·
any acquisition of shares of the company or a scheme of arrangement, by whatever name referred to, consequent to which the public shareholding falls below the minimum limit specified in the listing conditions or listing agreement that may result in delisting of securities;




·
promoters of the company who voluntary seek to delist their securities from all or some of the stock exchanges;




·
cases where a person in control of management is seeking to consolidate his holdings in a company, in a manner which would result in the public shareholding in the company falling below the limit specified in the listing conditions or in a listing agreement that may have the effect of the company being delisted; and




·
compulsory delisting by stock exchanges (e.g., upon failure by a company to pay required listing fees).




Indian Stock Exchanges




There are 24 stock exchanges in India.  Most of the stock exchanges have their own governing board for self-regulation.




It is estimated that the two major exchanges, The Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange, account for more than 90% of the market capitalization of listed Indian companies.  The Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange account for a majority of trading volumes of securities in India.  The Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange together hold a dominant position among the stock exchanges in terms of number of listed companies, market capitalization and trading activity.




There are generally no restrictions on price movements of any security on any given day.  However, to restrict abnormal price volatility, the SEBI has instructed stock exchanges to apply daily circuit breakers.A circuit breaker is the system which stops to trade in stock market when prices move after a specific level. There are mainly two types of circuit breakers. One is index wise circuit breakers and other is stock wise circuit breakers.The index-based market-wide circuit breaker system applies at three stages of the index movement, either way viz. at 10%, 15% and 20%. These circuit breakers when triggered bring about a coordinated trading halt in all equity and equity derivative markets nationwide. The market-wide circuit breakers are triggered by movement of either the BSE Sensex or the NSE S&P CNX Nifty, whichever is breached earlier. If any of these circuit breaker thresholds is reached, trading in all equity and equity derivatives markets nationwide is halted.




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Further, margin requirements are also imposed by stock exchanges that are required to be paid at rates fixed by the stock exchanges.  The Indian stock exchanges can also exercise the power to suspend trading during periods of market volatility.




A settlement cycle is an account period for the securities traded on a stock exchange.  At the end of the period, obligations are settled, i.e., buyers of securities pay for and receive securities while sellers give securities and receive payment for them.  The obligations are settled on a net basis, i.e., if some security is both purchased and sold in the same settlement cycle then only the net quantity of securities is delivered or received and the net amount of funds paid or received.  Typically, the length of the settlement period is two business days.  The SEBI has specified certain shares to be settled by rolling settlement.  Under rolling settlement, the length of the settlement period is one day.  All stocks trading under the rolling settlement system are settled on a T+2-day basis; trades executed on a Monday are typically settled on the following Monday.  Stocks that are not under the rolling settlement system follow the account period settlement system.




In May 2001, the SEBI announced that all shares included in the new system will trade only in the compulsory rolling settlement system from July 2, 2001.  All outstanding deferred positions under the earlier system would have to be compulsorily liquidated by September 3, 2001.




In 1992, the SEBI promulgated rules and regulations that prescribe conditions for registration of stockbrokers.  A stockbroker may not buy, sell or deal in securities except pursuant to a certificate granted by the SEBI.  The regulations also prescribe a broker code of conduct and rules for the fair treatment of investors by brokers, the procedures for registration, the payment of registration fees, maintenance of appropriate books and records and the right of inspection of the books of the stockbrokers by the SEBI.  Broker liability in cases of default extends to suspension or cancellation of the broker’s registration.  The SEBI has issued registration certificates to over 9,000 stockbrokers who are members of various stock exchanges in India.  Before these regulations, stockbrokers were required to be registered only with the stock exchanges of which they were members.  The SEBI regulations introduced the concept of dual registration of stockbrokers with the SEBI and the stock exchanges, and brought the brokers under regulation for the first time.




The SEBI has enforcement powers over secondary market participants for violation of any provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, or the rules and regulations made there under.  The SEBI may also take enforcement actions for violations of the Securities Contract Act or rules made there under and rules, regulations and by-laws of the stock exchanges.




The SEBI has also announced SEBI Regularization Scheme, 2002, under which parties who are guilty of violating its (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, will be granted general amnesty on the payment of a fine for each default during the prescribed period of time.




Internet-Based Securities Trading and Services




The SEBI has allowed securities trading over the Internet under the existing legal framework. The regulations seek to allow the Internet to be used as an order routing system through stock brokers registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India on behalf of clients for executing trades on a recognized stock exchange in India.  Stock brokers interested in providing this service are required to apply for permission to the respective stock exchange and also have to comply with certain minimum conditions stipulated by the SEBI.  Given the limited life of these new regulations to date, it is possible that these regulations will continue to evolve in the future.




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Takeover Code




Disclosure and mandatory bid obligations under Indian law are governed by the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 (Takeover Code) which prescribes certain thresholds or trigger points that give rise to these obligations.  The Takeover Code is under constant review by the SEBI and was substantially amended in December 2002.




In September 2011, the SEBI notified the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 (the Takeover Code) which replaces Takeover Regulation 1997.




Since we are a listed company in India, the provisions of the Takeover Code will apply to us and to any person acquiring our equity shares or voting rights in our Company.





Any acquirer (meaning a person who, directly or indirectly, acquires or agrees to acquire shares or voting rights in a company, either by himself or with any person acting in concert) who acquires shares or voting rights that would entitle him to more than 5.0% of the shares or voting rights in a company is required to disclose the aggregate of his shareholding or voting rights in that company to the company (which in turn is required to disclose the same to each of the stock exchanges on which the company’s shares are listed) within two working days of (a) the receipt of allotment information; or (b) the acquisition of shares or voting rights, as the case may be.





Also, an acquirer, who, together with PAC (Persons Acting in Concert) with him, holds shares or voting rights entitling them to 5% or more of the shares or voting rights in a target company must disclose every sale or acquisition of shares representing 2% or more of the shares or voting rights of the company to the company and to the stock exchanges in which the shares of the company are listed within two working days (a) of such acquisition or (b) sale or receipt of intimation of allotment of such shares, as the case may be.





Every person, who together with persons acting in concert with him, holds shares or voting rights entitling him to exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in a target company, has to disclose to the company and to stock exchanges, their aggregate shareholding and voting rights as of the thirty-first day of March, in such target company within seven working days from the end of the financial year of that company.





Under the new Takeover Code, the SEBI has increased the initial threshold limit for open offer from 15% to 25% and increased the size of open offer from 20% to 26% which means the acquisition of shares or voting rights which entitles the acquirer to exercise 25% or more of the voting rights in or control over the target company triggers a requirement for the acquirer to make an open offer to acquire at least 26% of the total shares of the target company for an offer price which is to be calculated according to the provisions of the Takeover Code. The acquirer is required to make a public announcement for an open offer on the date on which it is agreed to acquire such shares or voting rights. Such open offer shall only be for such number of shares as is required to adhere to the maximum permitted non-public shareholding.





New provisions have been introduced by the SEBI in case of increase in shareholding beyond the maximum permissible non-public shareholding due to Open Offer. It means there will be obligation on the acquirer to bring down the non-public shareholding to the level specified and within the time permitted under Securities Contract (Regulation) Rules, 1957 and it shall cause ineligibility to make a voluntary delisting offer under SEBI (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2009, unless a period of twelve months has elapsed from thedate of the completion of the offer period.
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 The SEBI has scrapped the non-compete fee or control premium. Any amount paid to the Promoters/Sellers whether as consideration, non-compete fee or control premium or otherwise, shall be added in the offer price and hence public shareholders would be given offer at the highest of such prices.
 
 We have entered into listing agreements with each of the Indian stock exchanges on which our equity shares are listed. We must comply with the clauses of the listing agreement with Indian stock exchanges regarding any disclosures made to us pursuant to the Takeover Code. However, the provisions of the listing agreements entered into between us and the Indian stock exchanges on which our equity shares are listed will not apply to equity shares represented by ADSs.





Insider Trading




In 1992, the SEBI introduced the new Insider Trading Regulations which require significantly greater disclosure by the company with regard to the trading of the company’s shares.




Under the Insider Trading Regulations, an insider is as a person who is or was connected with the company or is deemed to have been connected with the company, and who is reasonably expected to have access, by virtue of such connection, to unpublished price sensitive information in respect of securities of the company, or who has received or has had access to such unpublished price sensitive information.




Further, under the Regulations, no insider may, either on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, deal in securities of a company listed on a stock exchange on the basis of any unpublished price sensitive information, or communicate any unpublished price sensitive information to any person, with or without his request for such information, except as required in the ordinary course of business or under any law, or counsel or procure any other person to deal in securities of any company on the basis of unpublished price sensitive information.




In accordance with Regulations, we have promulgated an internal code of conduct which is applicable to our directors and designated employees for dealings in shares by those directors and designated employees, and with regard to access to unpublished price sensitive information that the directors or the designated employees might have.  The Regulations also require us to follow strict information disclosure requirements on a need to know basis.




Depositories




In August 1996, the Indian Parliament enacted the Depositaries Act, 1996 which provides a legal framework for the establishment of depositaries to record ownership details and effectuate transfers in book entry form.  The Securities and Exchange Board of India passed the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996 which provides for the formation of such depositaries, the registration of participants as well as the rights and obligations of the depositaries, participants and the issuers.  Every depositary has to register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India.  Pursuant to the Depositories Act, the National Securities Depository Limited was established by the Unit Trust of India, the Industrial Development Bank of India and the National Stock Exchange in 1996 to provide electronic depositary facilities for trading in equity and debt securities.  The National Securities Depository Limited, which commenced operations in November 1996, was the first depositary in India.  Another depositary, the Central Depository Services (India) Limited, established by The Stock Exchange, Mumbai has commenced operations since July 15, 1999.  The depositary system has significantly improved the operations of the Indian securities markets.




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Securities Transaction Tax (STT)


In July 2001, the government of India introduced securities transaction tax (STT) in the Indian financial markets. Under the proposal, every transaction in securities in a recognized stock exchange in India would attract a turnover tax of 0.15%. It was made applicable to the purchase or sale of equity shares, derivatives, units of equity-oriented funds through a recognized stock exchange in India or the sale of a unit of an equity-oriented fund to a mutual fund.  Since June 2006, the STT is payable equally by the purchaser and seller at 0.125% of the transaction value on delivery based transactions entered into on a recognized stock exchange. On non-delivery based transactions in equities or units of an equity oriented fund it is payable by the seller at 0.025%. In case of sale of options in securities, STT is levied at the rate of 0.017% of the option premium to be paid by the seller. In case of sale of options in securities where the option is exercised, the STT is levied at 0.125% of the settlement price and is paid by the purchaser. In case of sale of futures in securities, the STT at 0.017% is to be paid by the seller. In the case of sale of units of an equity oriented fund to the mutual fund, it is payable by the seller at 0.25%. The STT is to be collected by the Recognized Stock Exchange for taxable securities or prescribed person the mutual funds in case of sale of units to the mutual funds and paid to the Government.The government of India in the Finance Bill 2012 reduced the STT as of July 1, 2012 from the existing 0.125% to 0.1% on cash delivery transactions.




9D.  Selling Shareholders




Not applicable.




9E.  Dilution.




Not applicable.




9F.  Expenses of the Issue




Not applicable.





Item 10.
Additional Information




10A.  Share Capital





Not  applicable.




10B.  Memorandum and Articles of Association





Set forth below is certain information relating to our share capital, including certain provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Act.  The information is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our memorandum and articles of association that were filed on September 30, 2002 with the SEC as exhibits to our annual report on Form 20-F for the 2002 fiscal year.




General




Our authorized share capital is Rs.8,000,000,000, divided into 800,000,000 equity shares with a par value of Rs.10 each.  At the date of this report, 630,000,000 shares were issued and fully paid.




Our equity shares are in registered form.  The shares are the only class of share capital currently outstanding.  There are no convertible debentures or warrants currently in existence. In the United States, our shares are listed on the NYSE as American Depositary Shares (ADS).  Each ADS represents two equity shares.  See Item 12D. “American Depositary Shares” in this report.




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Dividends




Our shareholders, acting at the annual general meeting, may declare a dividend upon the recommendation of the board of directors.  The amount of the dividend declared may not exceed the amount recommended by the board of directors, although a lesser amount may be declared.  Dividends are distributed and paid within 30 days of the declaration by the shareholders.  Our board of directors also is authorized under our articles of association to declare and pay interim dividends to shareholders.




If any dividend remains unclaimed at the end of 30 days, the amount of the dividend will be transferred to a separate account belonging to us.  If it still remains unclaimed at the end of seven years, this amount will be transferred to government of India and cannot be claimed by the relevant shareholder.  Dividends are payable only in cash to registered holders on a record date fixed prior to the relevant annual general meeting.




Dividends may be paid only out of our profits for the relevant year, after transfer to our reserves of a percentage of our profits for that year of not less than 2.5%.  The Companies Act further provides that, in the event of inadequacy or absence of profits in any year, a dividend may be declared for that year out of our accumulated profits, subject to certain limitations.  In the event of payment of a dividend, a dividend tax of approximately 16.223% (inclusive of Education Surcharge) of distributed profit for a relevant period would be payable by us.




The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the dividend per equity share and per global depositary receipt and the total amount of dividends paid on the equity shares, both exclusive of dividend tax.




For fiscal year
Dividend per

equity share
Dividend per

ADS/GDR
Total amount of

dividends paid2012
(Rs.)

0
(Rs.)

0
(million of Rupees)

02011
0
0
02010
0
0
02009
1.0
2.0
6302008
4.0
8.0
2,520




The Ministry of Finance has adopted non-binding guidelines regarding the payment of dividends by “public sector undertakings (PSUs)” which apply to us.  According to the guidelines, profit-making public sector undertakings which are commercial enterprises should generally declare a minimum dividend each fiscal year of 20% of the higher of paid-up share capital as of year-end or profit after tax for the year.  In the case of telecommunications, oil, petroleum, chemical and other infrastructure industries, profit making PSUs should declare a minimum dividend for each fiscal year of 30% of profit after tax for the year or 30% on equity, whichever is higher.




Future dividends will depend upon our revenues, cash flow, financial condition and other factors.  As an owner of ADSs, holders will be entitled to receive dividends payable in respect of the equity shares represented by our ADSs.  The equity shares represented by our ADSs rank equally with our existing shares.  ADS holders will bear all of the currency exchange risk of the conversion of any dividends from Indian rupees to dollars, and a decline in the value of the Indian rupee as compared to the dollar would reduce the dollar value of any dividends we may pay that are received by ADS holders.  At present, we have equity shares issued in India.




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Free Distribution of Equity Shares




In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of current or retained earnings, the Companies Act permits us to distribute bonus shares(stock dividend) to shareholders.  Upon any distribution of bonus shares, an amount equal to the face value of the bonus shares to be distributed is transferred from the general reserve or share premium account to share capital.  The bonus shares must be distributed to shareholders in proportion to the number of equity shares owned by them. The SEBI has issued various guidelines for issuance of bonus shares by a listed company, the notable among them are:





·
The issue shall be made out of uncommitted reserves only.


·
Bonus issue shall not be in lieu of dividend


·
It shall not be out of any reserves created from revaluation of fixed assets.


·
Bonus issue shall not be made, unless the partly paid shares, if any, existing are made fully paid up.


·
The company should not have defaulted in payment of any interest or principal in respect its fixed deposits and interest on debentures or redemption of debentures.


·
The company should not be defaulted in payment of its statutory dues to the employees such as


contribution to PF, gratuity, bonus, minimum wages, workmen’s compensation, retrenchment,


payment to contract labor etc.


·
The bonus issue shall be implemented within a period of 15 days after the date of approval of the BoD, it does not require the shareholders’ approval for capitalization of profits or reserves for making bonus issue as per the AoA of the company. However, if the company is required to get the shareholders’ approval as per AoA of the company for capitalization of profits or reserves, the bonus issue shall be implemented within two months from the date of the meeting of the BoD.


·
Consequent upon bonus issue if the subscribed or paid up capital of the company exceed the authorized capital, then a resolution shall be passed by the company at its GM for increasing its authorized capital to that extent.




Preemptive Rights and Issue of Additional Shares




Subject to the approval of the President of India, we may by ordinary resolution increase our share capital by the issue of new shares or create a new class of shares.  In addition, the rights attached to the shares of any class may be varied with the consent of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class.  The Companies Act gives shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to their existing shareholdings unless otherwise determined by a special resolution to that effect adopted at a general meeting of shareholders.  We must offer shares to existing shareholders by notice specifying the number of shares offered and the date, within 15days from the date of offer, by which the offer must be accepted.  The board of directors is entitled to distribute the shares in respect of which preemptive rights have not been exercised in the manner that it deems most beneficial to us.




General Meetings of Shareholders




We are required to convene an annual general meeting of our shareholders within six months after the end of each fiscal year (subject to extensions which may be granted by the competent authorities) and may convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders when necessary or at the request of a shareholder or shareholders holding not less than 10% of our paid-up capital on the date of the request.  The annual general meeting of the shareholders is generally convened by the Company Secretary in accordance with a resolution of the board of directors.  Written notice setting out the agenda of the meeting must be given at least 21 days (excluding the day of service) prior to the date of the general meeting to the shareholders whose names are on the register at the record date.  Those shareholders who are registered as shareholders on the date of the general meeting are entitled to attend or vote at such meeting.




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The annual general meeting of shareholders must be held at our registered office or at such other place within the city in which the registered office is located. Meetings other than the annual general meeting may be held at any other place determined by the board of directors.




Our articles of association provide that a quorum for a general meeting is the presence of at least five shareholders, including a representative of the President of India.




This year’s annual general meeting is scheduled to be held in September 2012.




Voting Rights




At any general meeting, voting is by show of hands (where each shareholder has one vote) unless a poll is demanded by at least 10% of those entitled to vote on the resolution or those holding shares with a paid-up value of at least Rs.50,000.  Upon a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held by the shareholder.  The Chairman has a deciding vote in the case of any tie.  Our articles of association do not allow shareholders to cumulate their votes.




Any shareholder may appoint a proxy.  The instrument appointing a proxy must be lodged with us at least 48 hours before the time of the meeting.  A corporate shareholder may appoint an authorized representative who may vote in all respects as if a shareholder, both on a show of hands and upon a poll.




Ordinary resolutions may be passed by simple majority of those present and voting at any general meeting for which the required period of notice has been given.  However, certain resolutions such as those relating to the alteration of our articles of association, the commencement of a new line of business, the issue of further shares without preemptive rights and a reduction of share capital require a three-fourth majority of the votes cast in favor of the resolution (whether by show of hands or upon a poll).  The Companies Act has been amended to require that certain shareholder resolutions only be passed through postal ballot.




Register of Shareholders, Record Dates and Transfer of Shares




Our share transfer agents maintain registers of our shareholders and beneficial owners of shares held through depositaries.  For the purpose of determining equity shares entitled to annual dividends, the register is closed for a specified period prior to the annual general meeting.  The Companies Act and our listing agreement with The Stock Exchange, Mumbai (and the other Indian Stock Exchanges) permit us, according to a resolution of the Board and upon at least seven working days’ advance notice to The Stock Exchange, Mumbai (and such other stock exchanges), to set the record date and upon seven days’ public notice to close the register of shareholders for not more than 30 days at a time, and not more than 45 days in a year, in order for us to determine which shareholders are entitled to certain rights relating to the shares.  Trading of shares may, however, continue while the register of shareholders is closed.




Following introduction of the Depositories Act, 1996, and the repeal of Section 22A of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, which enabled companies to refuse to register transfers of shares in certain circumstances, the shares of a company are freely transferable, subject only to the provisions of Section 111A of the Companies Act.  Pursuant to Section 111A, if the transfer of shares is in contravention of any of the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 or the regulations issued there under or the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, or any other Indian laws, the Company Law Board/Tribunal (a statutory body which administers the Companies Act) may, on application made by an investor, the SEBI or certain other parties, direct the rectification of the register of members.  The Company Law Board/Tribunal may, in its discretion, issue an interim order suspending the voting rights attached to the relevant shares, before making or completing its inquiry into the alleged contravention.  Pending the inquiry, the rights of a holder to transfer the shares would not be restricted, although the voting rights attached to the shares may remain suspended by an order of the Company Law Board/Tribunal.




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Shares held through depositories are transferred in the form of book entries or in electronic form in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down by SEBI.  These regulations provide the regime for the functioning of the depositaries and the participants and set out the manner in which the records are to be kept and maintained and the safeguards to be followed in this system.  Transfers of beneficial ownership of shares held through a depositary are exempt from stamp duty.However, a stamp duty to the extent of 0.25% of the value of the shares (regardless of the consideration paid) is payable on the transfer of shares in physical form.




The SEBI has notified our equity shares for trading and settlement only in book-entry form for all investors, except for transactions made outside and which are not required to be reported to the stock exchange.  Transfers of equity shares in book-entry form require both the seller and the purchaser of the equity shares to establish accounts with depositary participants appointed by depositaries established under the Depositaries Act, 1996.  Charges for opening an account with a depositary participant, transaction charges for each trade and custodian charges for securities held in each account vary depending upon the practice of each depositary participant.  Upon delivery, the equity shares shall be registered in the name of the relevant depositary on our books in book-entry form and this depositary shall enter the name of the investor in its records as the beneficial owner.  The transfer of beneficial ownership shall be effected through the records of the depositary.  The beneficial owner shall be entitled to all rights and benefits and subject to all liabilities in respect of his securities held by a depositary.




The requirement to hold our equity shares in book-entry form will apply to the ADS holders when the equity shares are withdrawn from the depositary facility upon surrender of the global depositary receipts.  In order to trade our equity shares in the Indian market, the withdrawing ADS holder will be required to comply with the procedures described above.




We have entered into a listing agreement with each of the other Indian stock exchanges on which the shares are listed.  Clause 40A of the listing agreements provides that if an acquisition of a listed company’s equity shares results in the acquirer and its associates holding 5% or more of the company’s outstanding equity shares, the acquirer must report its holding to the relevant stock exchanges.  If an acquisition would result in the acquirer and its associates holding equity shares which carry 10% or more of the voting rights, then the acquirer must notify the relevant stock exchanges.  If an acquisition is deemed a takeover, the acquirer must, before acquiring shares, offer (in accordance with Clause 40B of the listing agreements) on a uniform basis to all remaining shareholders of the company to acquire a minimum of a further 20% of the total shares of the company at a prescribed price.  The acquisition of shares of a company listed on an Indian stock exchange beyond certain threshold amounts is subject to regulations governing takeovers of Indian companies.  See Item 9C. “The Offer and Listing—The Indian Securities Market—Takeover Code” in this report.  Clauses 40A and 40B and such regulations will not apply to shares so long as they are represented by ADSs.




Shareholder Access to Corporate Records




Under the Companies Act, the shareholder register and index, the register and index of debenture holders and copies of all annual returns together with copies of certificates and documents required to be annexed thereto, must be kept at our registered office for inspection by any share or debenture holder free of charge and by any other person on payment of a fee.  The minute books of the general meetings of our shareholders must be kept at our registered office and be made available for inspection by our shareholders regardless of the size of their shareholding.




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Disclosure of Ownership Interest




Section 187C of the Companies Act generally requires beneficial owners of shares of Indian companies who are not holders of record to declare to the company details of the holder of record and holders of record to declare details of the beneficial owner.  While it is unclear whether Section 187C applies to holders of ADSs of a company, investors who exchange ADSs for shares are subject to this Section.  Failure to comply with Section 187C would not affect the obligation of a company to register a transfer of shares or to pay any dividends to the registered holder of any shares in respect of which such declaration has not been made, but any person who fails to make the required declaration may be liable for a fine of up to Rs.1,000 for each day the failure continues.  Furthermore, any charge, promissory note or any other collateral agreement created, executed or entered into by the registered owner of any share in respect of which a declaration required under Section 187C has not been made is not enforceable by the beneficial owner or any person claiming through him.




So long as the government of India’s shareholding equals or exceeds 51%, Section 187C will not apply to holders of our equity securities, including holders of our ADSs or equity shares.




Audit and Annual Report




At least 21 days before the annual general meeting of shareholders, we must circulate either a detailed or an abridged version of our audited balance sheet and profit and loss account and the related reports of our board of directors and our auditors.  We are also required under the Companies Act to make available upon request of any shareholder a complete balance sheet and profit and loss account in the case of circulation of abridged accounts.




The Comptroller and Auditor General of India have the power to direct the manner in which our accounts are audited by the auditors appointed pursuant to Section 619(2) of the Companies Act, to give the auditors instructions in regard to any matter relating to the performance of their functions and to conduct a supplementary or test audit of our accounts by such auditors.  The Comptroller and Auditor General also has the right to comment on or supplement the audit report to the Comptroller and Auditor General which must be placed before our annual general meeting at the same time and in the same manner as the audit report.




Powers of the President of India




Under Articles 66A and 66B of our articles of association, the President of India is entitled to appoint one third of our total number of directors including our Chairman-cum-Managing Director as well as our whole time directors.  Article 69(i) requires the Chairman to reserve for the decision of the President of India all proposals, decisions or matters which raise in the opinion of the Chairman any important issue and which are, on that account, fit to be reserved for the decision of the President of India.  No decision on these important issues may be taken in the absence of the Chairman appointed by the President of India.  Article 69(ii) lists the matters in respect of which prior approval of the President of India must be obtained, which include issuance of debentures and the sale, lease or disposal of any land or building with an original book value in excess of Rs.1 million.  Under Article 71, we may not take action in respect of any proposal or decision of the board of directors reserved for approval of the President until his approval is obtained.  The President may modify the board of directors’ proposals or decisions.




Article 70 grants the President of India the power to issue directives in regard to the conduct of our business and affairs, which are binding on our board of directors.  These powers include the power to give directives to us as to the exercise and performance of our functions in matters involving national security or substantial public interest, power to call for returns, accounts and other information with respect to our properties and activities and to determine in consultation with the board of directors our financial and economic objectives.




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Acquisition by MTNL of Our Own Shares




The Companies Act permits an Indian company to purchase its shares in certain circumstances and requires compliance with specific buy-back guidelines specified in the Companies Act and by the SEBI. The buy-back may be (i) from the existing security holders on a proportionate basis through a tender offer, (ii) from the open market or (iii) from odd-lot holders.  Buy-backs through negotiated transactions, whether on a stock exchange or spot transactions, through other private arrangements are not permitted.




Holders of ADSs will be eligible to participate in a buy-back in certain cases.  An ADS holder may acquire shares by withdrawing from the depositary facility and then selling those shares back to us.




There can be no assurance that the shares offered by an ADS holder in any buy-back of shares by us will be accepted by us.  Investors are advised to consult Indian legal advisers prior to participating in any buyback by us, including in relation to any tax issues relating to such buy-back.




Liquidation Rights




Subject to the rights of employees, creditors and of the holders of any other shares entitled by their terms to preferential repayment over the shares, in the event of our winding up, the holders of our shares are entitled to be repaid the amount of capital paid up or credited as paid up on their shares.  All surplus assets after payments due to the holders of any preference shares belong to the holders of the shares in proportion to the amount paid up or credited as paid up on such shares, respectively, at the commencement of the winding up.




American Depositary Shares




Our ADSs were originally issued in an exchange offer during October 2001 in which we offered ADSs for our global depositary receipts on a one-for-one basis.  Our global depositary receipt program was cancelled and the receipts delisted from the London Stock Exchange in December 2001.  In October 2001, our ADSs were listed and began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.  There have been no changes to the depositary agreement governing our ADSs since the exchange offer. See Item 12D. “American Depositary Shares” in this report.




10C.  Material Contracts





Since April 1, 2009, we have not entered into any material contracts that were not in the ordinary course of business.




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10D.  Exchange Controls




INDIAN FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTROLS AND SECURITIES REGULATIONS


Restrictions on Conversion of Indian Rupees




There are restrictions on the conversion of Indian rupees into dollars.  Since August 1994, the government of India has substantially complied with its obligations owed to the International Monetary Fund, under which India is committed to refrain from using exchange restrictions on current international transactions as an instrument in managing the balance of payments.  Effective July 1995, the process of current account convertibility was advanced by relaxing restrictions on foreign exchange for various purposes, such as foreign business travel, travel for education, travel for pilgrimage, medical treatment and others.




Restrictions on Sale of the Equity Shares Underlying the ADSs and for Repatriation of Sale Proceeds




ADSs issued by Indian companies to non-residents have free transferability outside India.  However, under Indian regulations and practice, the approval of the Reserve Bank of India is required for the sale of equity shares underlying the ADSs (other than a sale on a stock exchange or in connection with an offer made under the takeover regulations) by a non-resident of India to a resident of India as well as for renunciation of rights to a resident of India.  Investors who seek to sell in India any equity shares (other than a sale on a stock exchange or in connection with an offer made under the takeover regulations) withdrawn from the depositary facility and to convert the rupee proceeds from such sale into foreign currency and repatriate such foreign currency from India will, subject to the foregoing, have to obtain Reserve Bank of India approval for each such transaction.




Limitations on Deposits of Equity Shares into the ADS Program




Under procedures adopted by the Reserve Bank of India in 1997, the depositary is permitted to accept deposits of our outstanding equity shares and deliver ADSs representing the deposited equity shares to the extent, and limited to the number, of ADSs that have previously been converted into underlying equity shares.  Under these procedures, if you elect to surrender your ADSs and receive equity shares, you may be unable to re-deposit those outstanding equity shares with our depositary and receive ADSs because the number of new ADSs that can be issued cannot, at any time, exceed the number of ADSs converted into underlying equity shares or result in foreign equity in MTNL exceeding 49%.




Specifically, in February 2002, the Reserve Bank of India issued operative guidelines for “limited two-way fungibility.” Under the guidelines, a registered broker in India is now permitted to purchase equity shares of an Indian company on behalf of persons resident outside India for the purpose of converting the equity shares so purchased into ADRs or GDRs, providedthat (i) the equity shares are purchased on a recognized stock exchange, (ii) the Indian company has issued ADRs or GDRs, (iii) the equity shares are purchased with the permission of the custodian of the ADRs or GDRs of the Indian company, and are deposited with such custodian, (iv) the number of equity shares so purchased to be converted into ADRs or GDRs do not exceed the ADRs or GDRs previously converted into underlying equity shares (the number of equity shares available for conversion into ADRs or GDRs is dependent upon the number of equity shares arrived at after conversion of ADRs into equity shares will have to be checked with the custodian) and (v) the number of equity shares so purchased to be converted shall be subject to sectoral caps as applicable and all the concerned parties shall comply with the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (Through Depository Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993 and the guidelines issued thereunder.




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Further, paragraph (v) of the guidelines states that the company should not be involved in the process and the process should be demand driven upon the request for ADRs or GDRs emanating from overseas investors, and expenses involved in the overseas transaction would be borne by the investors themselves.




Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Indian Securities




The government of India regulates ownership of Indian companies by foreigners.  Foreign investment in Indian securities, including the equity shares represented by the ADSs, is generally regulated by the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, which permits transactions including the inflow or outflow of foreign exchange and empowers the Reserve Bank of India to prohibit or regulate such transactions.




The Foreign Exchange Management Act permits most transactions involving foreign exchange except those prohibited or restricted by the Reserve Bank of India.  The extent of control exercised over transactions involving foreign exchange depends upon the type of transaction involved.  Transactions that alter the assets or liabilities, including contingent liabilities, outside India of persons resident in India or the assets and liabilities in India of persons resident outside India are known as capital account transactions.  Transactions other than capital account transactions are known as current account transactions.




The Foreign Exchange Management Act has eased restrictions on current account transactions.  However, the Reserve Bank of India continues to exercise control over capital account transactions.  The Reserve Bank of India has issued regulations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act to regulate various capital account transactions, including certain aspects of the purchase and issuance of shares by Indian companies.




The Reserve Bank of India has issued a notification under the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act relaxing the requirement of prior approval for an Indian company making an ADS issue provided that the issuer is eligible to issue ADSs pursuant to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance and has the necessary approval from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board.




Under the foreign investment rules, the following restrictions are applicable on foreign ownership:




·
under the “foreign direct investment” scheme, foreign individuals may own more than 49% of the equity shares of an Indian telecommunications company only with the approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board; this approval is granted on a case-by-case basis.  However, ISPs with gateways, radio paging, and end to end bandwidth permitted up to 74% with FDI beyond 49% requiring government approval;




·
under the “depositary” scheme, foreign investors may purchase ADSs or global depositary receipts, subject to the receipt of all necessary government approvals at the time the depositary receipt program is set up;




·
under the “portfolio investment” scheme, foreign institutional investors, subject to registration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the Reserve Bank of India, may be permitted to own, in the aggregate, up to an additional 24.0% of our equity shares that are not represented by ADSs or global depositary receipts (and up to 49.0% with the approval of our shareholders); no single foreign institutional investor may own more than 10.0% of our equity shares; and




·
under the “portfolio investment” scheme, non resident Indians may own up to an aggregate or 10.0% of our equity shares; no single non-resident Indian may own more than 5.0% of our total equity shares.




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We had obtained approvals from the Ministry of Finance, the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, the DOT and special permission from the Reserve Bank of India for the offering of our global depositary receipts.  Various tax concessions were also made available with respect to the existing global depositary receipt offering in accordance with the provisions of Section 115AC of the Indian Income-tax Act, 1961.  Since no new shares were issued or offered in our exchange offer and the exchange offer was related to a change in the form of depository receipts, the original approvals needed merely to be taken on file, noted and recorded for modification.  We obtained from the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, the Foreign Investment Promotion Board and the DOT, modifications to the original approvals/special permission given by them, for our exchange offer.




Since December 2005, the total composite foreign holding of our common shares including but not limited to investments by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs), Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs), American Depository Receipts (ADRs), Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), convertible preference shares, proportionate foreign investment in Indian promoters/investment companies including their holding companies, etc., herein after referred as FDI, has been subject to a ceiling of 74%. The 74% foreign investment can be made directly or indirectly in the operating company or through a holding company and the remaining 26% will be owned by resident Indian citizens or an Indian Company (i.e. foreign direct investment does not exceed 49% percent and the management is with the Indian owners). It is clarified that proportionate foreign component of such an Indian company will also be counted towards the ceiling of 74%. However, the foreign component in the total holding of Indian public sector banks and Indian public sector financial institutions will be treated as ‘Indian’ holding. Each licensee is required to disclose the status of such foreign holding and certify that the foreign investment is within the ceiling of 74% on a half yearly basis.




As of March 31, 2012, approximately 8.29% of our equity shares was held of record by persons with addresses outside of India (including Foreign Institutional Investors who held approximately 2.89% of our equity shares).




An investor in ADSs does not need to seek the specific approval from the government of India to purchase, hold or dispose of its ADSs.  However, foreign investment in our ADSs may not exceed 49% of our total equity shares without prior government approval.




Our outstanding equity shares, including the equity shares underlying the ADSs, are listed and traded on the Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Chennai Stock Exchanges, and the National Stock Exchange.  The prices for equity shares as quoted in the official list of each of the Indian stock exchanges are in Indian rupees.  The ADS are listed on the New York Stock Exchange in U.S. dollars.




Equity shares which have been withdrawn from the depositary facility and transferred on our register of shareholders to a person other than the depositary or its nominee may be voted by that person.  However, an ADS holder may not receive sufficient advance notice of shareholder meetings to enable you to withdraw the underlying equity shares and vote at such meetings.




Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a foreign institutional investor, non-resident Indian or non-Indian corporation were to withdraw its equity shares from the ADS program, its investment in the equity shares would be subject to the general restrictions on foreign ownership noted above and may be subject to the portfolio investment restrictions, including the 10-24% portfolio investment limitations, and the 5-10% non-resident Indian limitation.  The application of these limitations, however, is not clear.  Secondary purchases of securities of Indian companies in India by foreign direct investors or investments by non-resident Indians, persons of Indian origin and foreign institutional investors above the ownership levels set forth above, require government of India approval on a case-by-case basis.  It is unclear whether similar case-by-case approvals of ownership of equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility by foreign institutional investors and non-resident Indians would be required.




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Further, if an ADS holder withdraws equity shares from the ADS program and its direct or indirect holding in us exceeds 15.0% of our total equity (under the Takeover Code), such holder would be required to make a public offer to the remaining shareholders.  If one withdraws equity shares from the depositary facility, one will not be able to redeposit them with the depositary.




If an investor wishes to sell the equity shares withdrawn from the depositary facility, it will be required to receive the prior approval of the Reserve Bank of India.




Under procedures approved by the Reserve Bank of India, the custodian will be permitted to accept deposits of our outstanding equity shares purchased on a recognized stock exchange by registered brokers in India on behalf of a foreign investor.  The depositary may issue ADRs evidencing ADSs representing the deposited equity shares to the extent, and limited to the number, of ADSs that have previously been converted into underlying equity shares, subject to applicable foreign ownership restrictions.  See “— Limitations on Deposits of Equity Shares into the ADS Program” above for more details on these procedures.




Other Regulations




For more information on relevant securities and related regulations, please see Item 9C. “The Offer and Listing—The Indian Securities Market” in this report.




10E.  Taxation





Indian Taxation




The following is a summary of the material Indian tax consequences for holders of ADSs and equity shares received upon withdrawal of such equity shares by holders who are not resident in India, whether of Indian origin or not, and who hold their ADSs or shares as capital assets, and does not address the tax consequences that may be relevant to their classes of non-resident holders, including dealers.  This discussion is based on the provisions of the Indian Income-Tax Act, 1961, including the special tax regime for ADSs contained in Section 115AC, which has been extended to cover additional ADSs that an investor may acquire in an amalgamation or restructuring of the company, and certain regulations implementing the Section 115AC regime.  The Indian Income Tax Act is amended every year by the Finance Act of the relevant year.  Some or all of the tax consequences of the Section 115AC regime may be amended or modified by future amendments to the Indian Income Tax Act.  Amendments to Section 115AC extend the special tax regime of Section 115AC to ADSs re-issued, in accordance with procedures established by the Indian government (operative guidelines issued under the Foreign Exchange Management notification dated February 13, 2002), against existing shares of an Indian company purchased by a non-resident investor in foreign currency through an approved intermediary.  Under these guidelines re-issuance of ADSs would be permitted to the extent of ADSs which have been converted into underlying shares.




The summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the tax consequences under Indian law of the acquisition, ownership and sale of ADSs and equity shares by non-resident investors.  Potential investors should, therefore, consult their own tax advisers on the tax consequences of such acquisition, ownership and sale, including specifically the tax consequences under Indian law, the law of the jurisdiction of their residence, any tax treaty between India and their country of residence, and in particular the application of the regulations implementing the section 115AC regime.




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Residence




For the purpose of the Income Tax Act, an individual is a resident of India during any fiscal year, if he (i) is in India in that year for 182 days or more or (ii) having within the four years preceding that year been in India for a period or periods amounting in all to 365 days or more, is in India for period or periods amounting in all to 60 days or more in that year.  The period of 60 days is substituted by 182 days in case of an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin who being resident outside India visits India during the fiscal year or an Indian citizen who leaves India for the purposes of his employment during the fiscal year.  A company is resident in India in any fiscal year if it is registered in India or the control and management of its affairs is situated wholly in India in that year.  A firm or other association of persons is resident in India except where the control and the management of its affairs are situated wholly outside India.  Individuals, companies, firms or other associations of persons that are not residents of India would be treated as non-residents for purposes of the Income Tax Act.




Taxation of Distributions




Dividends distributed by an Indian company are not subject to tax in the hands of shareholders.  A company paying dividends is subject to payment of a “dividend distribution tax” on the final dividend at the rate of 15% (plus a surcharge of 10% and an add-on tax at the rate of 3%). We do not anticipate paying any dividend for the 2012 fiscal year.




Taxation on Redemption of ADSs




The acquisition of equity shares upon a redemption of ADSs by a non-resident investor will not give rise to a taxable event for Indian tax purposes.




Taxation on Sale of Equity Shares or ADSs




Any transfer of ADSs or equity shares outside India by a non-resident investor to another non-resident investor does not give rise to Indian capital gains tax.




Subject to any relief under any relevant double taxation treaty, a gain arising on the sale of an equity share to a resident of India or where the sale is made inside India will generally give rise to a liability for Indian capital gains tax.  Such tax is required to be withheld at source.However, any gain arising on the sale of an equity share of a company held for more than 12 months (measured from the date of notice of redemption of the ADS by the depositary) which is a long-term capital gain, will be exempt from tax if the sale is registered on a recognized stock exchange and such transaction of sale is chargeable to Securities Transaction Tax (STT).If such long term capital gain is not chargeable to the STT, the rate of capital gain tax(inclusive of surcharge)will be 21.01% for foreign company and 20.60% for non corporate entity.





Any gain arising on the sale of an equity share of a company held for 12 months or less shall be classified as short-term capital gain, will be subject to capital gain tax(inclusive of surcharge) at 15.76% and 15.45% for foreign company and non corporate entity respectively provided the STT has been paid on such transaction. In case of such transaction is not subject to STT the capital gain tax rate(inclusive of surcharge) shall be 42.02% and 30.90% for foreign company and non corporate entity respectively. The actual rate depends on a number of factors, including without limitation the nature of the non-resident investor.  During the period the underlying equity shares are held by non-resident investors on a transfer from the Depositary upon redemption of ADRs, the provisions of the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement entered into by the government of India with the country of residence of the non-resident investors will be applicable in the matter of taxation of any capital gain arising on a transfer of the equity shares.  The double taxation treaty between the United States and India does not provide U.S.  residents with any relief from Indian tax on capital gains.




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For purposes of determining the amount of capital gains arising on a sale of an equity share for Indian tax purposes, the cost of acquisition of an equity share received upon redemption of an ADS will be the price of the share prevailing on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai or the National Stock Exchange on the date on which the depositary advises the custodian of such redemption, not the acquisition cost of the ADS being redeemed.  The holding period of an equity share received upon redemption of an ADS will commence from the date of advice of redemption by the depositary.  The exact procedures for the computation and collection of Indian capital gains tax are not settled.




Rights




A distribution to non-resident holders of additional ADSs or equity shares or rights to subscribe for equity shares made with respect to ADSs or equity shares is not subject to tax in the hands of the non-resident holder.




It is unclear as to whether capital gain derived from the sale of rights by a non-resident holder not entitled to exemption under a tax treaty to another non-resident holder outside India will be subject to Indian capital gains tax.  If rights are deemed by the Indian tax authorities to be situated within India, as our situs is in India, the gains realized on the sale of rights will be subject to customary Indian taxation as discussed above.




Stamp Duty




A transfer of ADSs is not subject to Indian stamp duty.  Normally, upon the acquisition of equity shares from the depositary in exchange for ADSs representing such equity shares in physical form, an investor would be liable for Indian stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the equity shares at the date of registration.  Similarly, a sale of equity shares by an investor would be also subject to Indian stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the equity shares on the trade date, although customarily such tax is borne by the transferee, that is, the purchaser.  However, our equity shares are mandatorily deliverable in uncertificated form and under Indian stamp law, no stamp duty is payable on the acquisition or transfer of equity shares in uncertificated/dematerialized form.




Other Taxes




At present, there are no taxes on wealth, gifts and inheritance which may apply to the ADSs and underlying equity shares.




Service Tax




Brokerage or commission paid to stockbrokers in connection with the sale or purchase of shares has been subject to a service tax 12.36%.  The stockbroker is responsible for collecting the service tax and paying it to the relevant authority.




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United States Federal Income Taxation




The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations for U.S. Holders (as defined below) of ADSs or equity shares who hold ADSs or equity shares as of the date hereof.  This summary is based upon existing United States federal income tax law which is subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis.  This summary does not discuss all aspects of United States federal income taxation which may be important to particular holders in light of their individual investment circumstances, such as ADSs or equity shares held by holders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, and non-U.S.  Holders) or to persons that will hold ADSs or equity shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, or other integrated transactions for United States federal income tax purposes or that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, all of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below.  In addition, this summary does not discuss any state, local, or foreign tax considerations.  This summary assumes that investors hold, and will continue to hold, their ADSs or equity shares as “capital assets” (generally, property held for investment) under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code).  Holders are urged to consult their tax advisers regarding the United States federal, state, local, and foreign income tax considerations, including the “passive foreign investment company” rules described below, of the ownership and disposition of ADSs or equity shares.




For purposes of this summary, a “U.S.  Holder” is a beneficial owner of ADSs or equity shares that is for United States federal income tax purposes (i) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership, or other entity created or organized in or under the law of the United States or any State or political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is includible in gross income for United States federal income tax purposes regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust (A) the administration of which is subject to the primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or (B) that was in existence on August 20, 1996, was treated as a United States person under the Code on the previous day, and properly elected to continue to be so treated.  The tax treatment of persons who hold their ADSs or equity shares through a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.




General




For purposes of United States federal income taxation, a holder of ADSs will be treated as the owner of his proportionate interest in the underlying equity shares held by the depositary.  Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized upon the exchange of ADSs for the holder’s proportionate interest in equity shares, a holder’s tax basis in the withdrawn equity shares will be the same as his tax basis in the ADSs surrendered in exchange therefore, and such holder’s holding period in the withdrawn equity shares will include the period during which the holder held the surrendered ADSs. The following discussion assumes that we will not be classified as a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes.  For further PFIC considerations, see “—PFIC Considerations” below.




U.S. Holders




Taxation of Dividends.     Any cash distributions paid by us out of our earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles, will be subject to tax as ordinary dividend income and will be includible in the gross income of a U.S.  Holder upon receipt.  Cash distributions paid by U.S.in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S.  Holder’s adjusted tax basis in his ADSs or equity shares, and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.  Dividends paid in Indian rupees will be includible in income in a United States dollar amount based on the United States dollar-Indian rupee exchange rate prevailing at the time of receipt of such dividends by the U.S. Holder (in the case of equity shares) or the depositary (in the case of ADSs).  A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Indian rupees and converts those Indian rupees to U.S. dollars at an exchange rate other than the rate in effect on such date would have a foreign currency exchange gain or loss, which would be treated as ordinary gain or loss.  Dividends received on the ADSs or equity shares will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction allowed to corporations.




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Dividends paid on ADSs or equity shares will be treated, for United States federal income tax purposes, as foreign source income.  A U.S.  Holder may be eligible, subject to a number of complex limitations, to claim a foreign tax credit in respect of any Indian income tax imposed on dividends received on the ADSs or equity shares.  U.S.  Holders who do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit for Indian income tax withheld may instead claim the Indian income tax withheld as a deduction for United States federal income tax purposes, but only for a year in which the U.S.  Holder elects to do so for all creditable foreign taxes.




Subject to certain limitations, “qualified dividend income” received by a non- corporate U.S. Holder in tax years beginning on or before December 31, 2012 will be subject to tax at a reduced maximum tax rate of 15%.  Distributions taxable as dividends paid on ADSs or equity shares should qualify for the 15% rate provided that either: (i) we are entitled to benefits under the income tax treaty between the United States and India (the “Treaty”) or (ii) the ADSs or equity shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States and certain other requirements are met.  We believe that we are entitled to benefits under the Treaty and that our ADSs currently are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.  However, no assurance can be given that they will remain readily tradable.  The rate reduction does not apply unless certain holding period requirements are satisfied.  The rate reduction also does not apply to dividends received from a passive foreign investment company, see discussion below, or in respect of certain hedged positions or in certain other situations.  There are complex rules for computing the foreign tax credit limitation of a taxpayer who receives dividends subject to the reduced tax rate.  U.S. Holders of ADSs or equity shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect of these rules in their particular circumstances.




A distribution of additional shares issued by us to U.S.  Holders with respect to their ADSs or equity shares that are pro rata to all of our shareholders should generally not be subject to United States federal income tax.  The tax basis of such additional shares will be determined by allocating the U.S.  Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or equity shares between the ADSs or equity shares and the additional shares, based on their relative fair market values on the date of distribution.




Sale or Other Disposition of ADSs or Ordinary Shares.  A U.S.  Holder will generally recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of ADSs or equity shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized upon the disposition and the U.S.  Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such ADSs or equity shares.  Any capital gain or loss will be long-term if the ADSs or equity shares have been held for more than one year and will generally be United States source gain or loss.  The claim for a deduction in respect of a capital loss is subject to limitations.




Under certain circumstances described under “Indian Taxation—Taxation on Sale of Equity Shares or ADSs” in this report, a U.S. Holder may be subject to Indian tax upon the disposition of equity shares or ADSs. In such circumstances and subject to applicable limitations, such US Holder may elect to treat the gain as foreign source income and to credit the Indian tax against its United States federal income tax liability with respect to the gain. U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the availability of the foreign tax credit under their particular circumstances.




In the case of a cash basis U.S. Holder who receives Indian rupees in connection with the sale or disposition of ADSs or equity shares, the amount realized will be based on the U.S. dollar value of the Indian rupees received with respect to the ADSs or equity shares as determined on the settlement date of such exchange.  A U.S. Holder who receives payment in Indian Rupees and converts them into United States dollars at a conversion rate other than the rate in effect on the settlement date may have a foreign currency gain or loss, which would be treated as ordinary income or loss.




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An accrual basis U.S. Holder may elect the same treatment required of cash basis taxpayers, provided that the election is applied consistently from year to year and meets certain other requirements.  An accrual basis taxpayer not making such an election may have a foreign currency gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes because of differences between the U.S. dollar value of the currency received prevailing on the trade date and the settlement date.  Any such gain or loss would be treated as ordinary income or loss and would be in addition to gain or loss, if any, recognized by such U.S. Holder on the sale or disposition of the ADSs or equity shares.




Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.  In general, information reporting requirements will apply to dividends in respect of equity shares or ADSs or the proceeds received on the sale, exchange, or redemption of equity shares or ADSs paid within the United States (and in certain cases, outside of the United States) to U.S. Holders other than certain exempt recipients (such as corporations), and backup withholding (currently at 28%)  may apply to such amounts if the U.S. Holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number to us or our payment agent or to report interest and dividends required to be shown on its United States federal income tax returns. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will generally be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s United States federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.





PFIC Considerations.  A foreign corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company” (PFIC), for United States federal income tax purposes, if 75% or more of its gross income or 50% or more of its assets are “passive” as determined under the PFIC rules.  The determination of whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is a factual determination and may entail the resolution of certain legal issues such as the tax treatment of on-lending transactions involving related parties under the PFIC rules.  In addition, such determination is made on an annual basis and, accordingly, is subject to change from year to year.




If we were to be classified as a PFIC in any taxable year, a U.S.  Holder would be subject to special rules generally intended to reduce or eliminate any benefits from the deferral of United States federal income tax that a U.S.  Holder could derive from investing in a foreign corporation that does not distribute all of its earnings on a current basis.  In such event, a U.S.  Holder of ADSs or equity shares may be subject to tax at ordinary income tax rates on (i) any gain recognized on the sale of the ADSs or equity shares and (ii) any “excess distribution” paid on the ADSs or equity shares (generally, a distribution in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions paid by us in the three preceding taxable years).  In addition, a U.S.  Holder may be subject to an interest charge on such gain or excess distribution.  Particular U.S. Holders may be eligible to make certain elections which would change their tax treatment.




10F.  Dividends and Paying Agents





Not applicable.




10.G  Statement by Experts





Not applicable.




10H.  Documents on Display





We file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC that apply to foreign private issuers.  One may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the Public Reference Room at 100 F Street N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C.  20459, telephone this 1-800-SEC-0330.  We file our periodic reports electronically through the SEC’s EDGAR system.  Any filings we make electronically are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.




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In addition, documents referred to in this Form 20-F may be inspected at our corporate offices at 12th Floor, Jeevan Bharati, Tower-1, 124 Connaught Circus, New Delhi, India.  Information about us is also available on our website http://www.mtnl.net.in, but it does not constitute any part of this report.




10I.  Subsidiary Information





Not applicable.




Item 11.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk




Credit Risk




Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of periodic temporary investments of excess cash, trade receivables, and investments in ITI Limited preference shares and MKVDC bonds. By their nature, all such financial instruments involve risk including the credit risk of non-performance by counter parties. In management’s opinion, as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, there was no significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance of the counterparties to these financial instruments, other than the amounts already provided for in the financial statements.  To reduce credit risk, we perform ongoing credit evaluation of our customers.  As of March 31, 2011 and 2012, BSNL and the DoT accounted for more than 10% of total receivables.




The risk in relation to investment in ITI Limited is offset by clause relating to our entitlement to set off the amounts receivable in respect of principal outstanding from the dues payable to ITI Limited. The clause is built into the share purchase agreement.  As of March 31, 2008, Rs.800 million of the investment of Rs.1 billion investment in ITI was charged as an impairment.  The balance of Rs.200 million was impaired as of March 31, 2009.  The DoT, by letter dated July 31, 2009, deferred the repayment schedule of the preference shares to beginning 2012-13 and payable in five equal annual installments.  See Item 5A. “Operating Results - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates - Impairment of Held to Maturity Securities” in this report.




The credit risk for the investment in bonds issued by MKVDC is minimized due to the payment mechanism envisaged in the prospectus, which states that any shortfall is to be met by the Maharashtra State Government that has undertaken to earmark an amount equal to interest and principal repayments out of its annual budget for the respective corporation. In the event of such amount not being transferred the trustees would be entitled to invoke the guarantee given by the state government.




Exchange Rate and Interest Rate Risk




We are not exposed to any material foreign currency exchange risk as our revenues and expenses are primarily in Indian rupees.In recent years we have raised long term debt to finance our capital expenditure in respect of obtaining the 3G & BWA licences. We also drawing the facility of short term borrowings from banks to meet our working capital requirements. The majority of our borrowings carry floating interest rate as decided by banks which is Base Rate + premium. The Base Rate can be changed by banks by taking into the account the cost of deposits and the cost of keeping aside cash to meetstatutory requirements.As a result, we are exposed to interest rate risk since all our borrowing programs are unhedged as on March 31, 2012 and any upward change in the Base Rate  by the banks may increase our interest cost. A 1% increase in the interest rates on our unhedged floating rate long-term debts as on March 31, 2012 would have an  increase in interest cost of70million and a 1% decrease in the interest rates on our unhedged floating rate long-term debts as on March 31, 2012 would have reduction in interest cost of70million.




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Fair Value




The fair value of our current assets and current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term maturity.  Such financial instruments are classified as current and are expected to be settled within the next twelve months.




The approximate fair value of investments in held to maturity securities, as determined by using current interest as of March 31, 2012 is Rs.2,004 million as compared to their carrying amount of Rs.2,500 million.




The approximate fair value of loans to employees, as determined by using current interest as of March 31, 2012 is Rs.­1,449 million as compared to their carrying amount of Rs.1,703 million.




Due to the uncertainties attached to the timing of ultimate realization of restricted assets, it is not practicable to determine their fair values.  The fair value of amounts due to and from related parties cannot be determined given that the amounts are with related parties.   The terms of settlement are not normal commercial terms.




Item 12.
Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities




12A.  Debt Securities




Not applicable




12B.  Warrants and Rights




Not applicable




12C.  Other Securities




Not applicable




12D.           American Depository Shares




The Bank of New York Mellon (the “Depositary”) serves as the depositary for our ADSs.  It collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The Depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The Depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The Depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.




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Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay:
For:$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion

of 100 ADSs)
• Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

• Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates$.02 (or less) per ADS
• Any cash distribution to ADS registered holdersA fee equivalent to the fee that would be

payable if securities distributed to you

had been shares and the shares had been

deposited for issuance of ADSs
• Distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the Depositary to ADS registered holders$.02 (or less) per ADSs per calendar year
• Depositary servicesRegistration or transfer fees
• Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the Depositary or its agent when you deposit or withdraw sharesExpenses of the Depositary
• Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

• Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollarsTaxes and other governmental charges the

Depositary or the custodian have to pay

on any ADS or share underlying an ADS,

for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp

duty or withholding taxes
• As necessaryAny charges incurred by the Depositary or

its agents for servicing the deposited

securities
• As necessary





The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary, has agreed to reimburse us for expenses it incurs that are related to the establishment and maintenance expenses of our ADS program. The Depositary has agreed to reimburse us for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, including U.S.$38,000 for each of the 2011 and 2012 listing fees. The Depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADSs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse us annually for certain investor relationship programs or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the Depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to us based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADS facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the Depositary will reimburse us, but the amount of reimbursement available to us is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the Depositary collects from investors.





From July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, we received U.S.$38,000 from the Depositary for reimbursement for the 2011 annual stock exchange listing fees, and U.S.$15,871 for NRA tax gross-up.  In addition, the Depositary waived its standard out-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADSs (consisting of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend checks, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile, and telephone calls),which fees would have been at a rate of U.S.$2,500 a month, and also waived the cost of its ADR Insight program, which fees would have been at a rate of U.S.$6,500 per month.




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PART II




Item 13.
Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies.




None.




Item 14.
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds




None.




Item 15.
Controls and Procedures




(a)
Disclosure Controls and Procedures





Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chairman and Managing Director, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and our Director-Finance, as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) on March 31, 2012, the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluations, our CEO and CFO have concluded that as of March 31, 2012, some of our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective for the reasons explained below.




There are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures. These limitations include the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, any such system can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.




(b)
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting





As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our Board of Directors and senior management team are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls. The internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair representation of our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and includes those policies and procedures that:





·
pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;


·
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and


·
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.




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No system of internal control over financial reporting, including one determined to be effective, may prevent or detect all misstatements. It can only provide reasonable assurance regarding financial statement preparation and presentation.





Management, under the oversight of the Audit Committee, has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012 based on the criteria established in Internal Controls – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).





The assessment of internal controls was designed to include the Entity Level Controls, Process Application and Transaction Controls and Information Technology General Controls.  The scope of the controls testing included the significant accounting balances mapped on materiality parameters as adopted by a core team and approved by our Board of Directors. Management has not evaluated the internal controls of Millennium Telecom Limited, India (MTL) and Mahanagar Telephone (Mauritius) Limited, Mauritius (MTML), our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and United Telecommunications Limited, Nepal (UTL) and MTNLSTPI IT Services Limited, India (MISL), joint ventures entities, which are accounted for using proportionate consolidation.  The conclusion regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting does not extend to the internal controls of these subsidiaries and joint venture entities.  These subsidiaries and joint venture entities were considered insignificant compared to size and business of the Company. Our proportionate interest in total assets, net assets, revenue and profit/ loss for the year in case of subsidiaries and proportionate interest in total profit/ loss for the year in case of UTL and MISL is reflected in the financial statements in this report.





The internal controls were in operation during the reporting period from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2012. The internal controls identified by the management were comprehensively tested by the core team assisted by an independent firm of accountants and supported by the internal auditors, who are independent firms of accountants. The nature of controls assessed were:





1. Entity Level Controls, which include aspects such as control environment, information and communication, monitoring, risk assessment, control activities, addressing the various important COSO attributes;





2. Process Application and Transactions, which include various revenue processes, and other processes like operating expenditures, fixed assets, inventory, cash disbursement, treasury, taxation and financial statement consolidation procedures in both Mumbai and Delhi units, Basic and Mobile Units, as well as in our corporate office; and





3. Broadband Operations, which include updating tariff plans in the billing operations.





4. Information Technology General Controls, which include IT processes like logical security, end user computing, computer operations, change management, physical security and service level agreement, tested at both Mumbai and Delhi units.





Based on its assessment, management has concluded under the supervision of and with the participation of Chairman-and-Managing Director, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Director-Finance, acting as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), that as of March 31, 2012, the end of the period covered by the report, the internal controls over periodical reporting were not effective. There were material weaknesses related to accounting and reconciliation of customer (subscriber) deposits, balance confirmation of related party transactions with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Broadband Operations and Information Technology General Controls. These deficiencies may cause a misstatement in the annual financial statements which may not be prevented or detected. Management’s conclusions on the significant deficiencies are stated below:




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I.
Subscriber Deposits





The accounting of subscriber deposits was identified by management as one of the key deficit areas in the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 fiscal years, and it also continued to be deficient in the 2012 fiscal year. Specifically, the reconciliation of subscriber-wise listing and the balances of deposits as per the Customer Services Management System (CSMS) and the books of accounts were not fully adequate. The transactions have not been tallied with the books of account in case of Basic (Landline) Services at Delhi. Management and the units have identified that this deficiency is largely due to the legacy inherited at the time of migration from manual accounts to CSMS in the earlier years and subsequent manual adjustments of refunds out of the system.  Accordingly, management has concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, we did not maintain effective control over the accounting of deposits received from subscribers at Delhi units in case of Landline services.  Management has however taken reasonable measures during the 2012 fiscal year to ensure that this deficiency was adequately considered while preparing the financial statements for the 2012 fiscal year. The Delhi unit is in the process of reconciliation of current period as well as earlier period of deposits. This control deficiency could result in a misstatement to the current and non-current portion of subscriber deposits.





II.
Related Party Transactions





The accounting of transactions with our related parties, consisting of transactions with the DOT and BSNL, is being done on the basis of the existing instructions issued from time to time by the controlling department of the government of India and other related guidelines as well as existing regulations. These guidelines require identification of transactions and/or issues under dispute and also lay down the methodology to resolve the same. There is no practice of obtaining balance confirmation for the outstanding balance at the year end, in our books and records, from such related parties and also to reconcile the said balance as per our books of accounts.  The overall balances pertaining to these related parties are not reconciled with the balances as per the books of account of such related parties..  Management took appropriate measures during the 2012 fiscal year to ensure that this deficiency was adequately considered while preparing the financial statements. Accordingly, management has concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, we did not maintain adequate control over the accounting for dues to and from related parties. Specifically, our controls were ineffective as to the process of obtaining period end account balance confirmations and reconciliation thereof. This control deficiency could result in a misstatement of the balances of dues to/from related parties and the corresponding revenue and cost of revenue.





III.
Broadband Operations





During the review of broadband PAT operations in Delhi, it was observed that controls were not adequate in case of updating of approved tariff plans by authorized personnel in the billing system, namely elite and core.  Further, certain other controls need improvement, like ensuring that all customers have been updated in the billing system, bills are generated for all the customers using correct data based upon actual usage, control over revenue recognition in the financial books, and review system of suspension and disconnection of customers.  This control deficiency could result in a misstatement of cthe corresponding revenue.




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IV.
Information Technology General Controls





During the review of our Information Technology General Controls (ITGC), management has identified and concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, there were certain ineffective controls in the area of Information Technology General Controls. The IT security policy and procedures require further strengthening and implementation with reference to controls related to (i) assigning IT Security officer/s to monitor IT processing activities (including system privileges and access controls) and submit periodic reports to management and the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee, (ii) back up practices, and (iii) appointment of independent auditors for audit of IT areas and controls.





The policy of using passwords has been prepared and adopted. However, the password controls have not yet been implemented for application ability at Mumbai Units and CSMS, CBCRM, Interconnect Billing System (ICB), Inventory Management System (IMS), Broadband and Lease Circuit Management System (LCMS) application in the Delhi unit.  During the year under review, in the case of Mumbai and Delhi units, audit trails have been enabled in Web Based Financial Management System (WFMS) application but were not enabled in CSMS, IMS, CBCRM applications.  Overall audit trails generation, review and control processes require further strengthening.





In, Broadband and LCMS application, the user authority matrix is not defined, the process of offsite data storage does not exist and the functioning of help desk is not adequately monitored.  In Broadband and LCMS application, Back up procedure, reconciliation of backup tapes and restoration procedure were not in place and access control system was not in place at data centers of Broadband and LCMS.





Control related to Broadband application needs to be more strengthened in the Delhi unit as 22 controls pertains to it were noticed ineffective, which resulted in an overall decrease in effectiveness by 10%.





Though management has determined that there were no instances of unauthorized access/events, this control deficiency could result in unauthorized access to key applications and databases. These control deficiencies lead to the risk of breaches of security or errors remaining unnoticed and not rectified.  These deficiencies could also lead to the risk of misstatement of financial statements.





However, the review of financial statements at the unit and corporate level in the FMS system pre-empted any such possible errors in preparation of financial statements in the 2012 fiscal year.





Management has initiated preparation of the Business Continuity Management (BCM) Plan to address business interruptions on their occurrences.  However, in the Delhi unit, there has been only initial progress on preparation of the Plan while the implementation, identification of teams, assigning of roles and responsibilities, training, mock drills, business impact assessment, recovery procedures, etc. are pending due to the completion of the BCM strategy. We have an insurance policy that covers critical business interruptions, loss of human life and loss of assets incurred due to disaster.





P. Parikh & Associates, the independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements in this annual report on Form 20-F, and has also issued their report, included herein, on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012.





(c)
Attestation report of the registered accounting firm





See Item 18. “Financial Statements” for the attestation report of P. Parikh & Associates, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements included in this report.




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(d)
Changes in internal control over financial reporting





We have undertaken certain initiatives and remedial action during the 2010, 2011 and 2012 fiscal years on the material weaknesses disclosed above and as disclosed in prior reports. Additional remedial action is being undertaken and is expected to be completed in the 2013 fiscal year.  The remedial actions taken include: (i) subscriber deposits are reconciled for the Mobile Services (MS) units both in Delhi and Mumbai and in basic services at Mumbai, while in case of basic units at Delhi the reconciliation process is ongoing; (ii) password controls are being implemented for most of the applications as per IT security policy; (iii) Initial Business Continuity Management Plan being prepared and (iv) audit trails generation are being enabled for certain IT applications.





Subscriber Deposits





In respect of reconciliation of the subscriber deposits, management has directed both the Delhi and Mumbai units to complete the reconciliation on high priority basis, including linking of the debtor accounts to deposits. It was decided that only the reconciled data will be migrated to the new convergent billing system, which is likely to be operational by March 2013. In case of both Mumbai and Delhi units, MS-CDMA services have completed the subscriber deposit reconciliation, and in land line services the Mumbai unit completed the reconciliation in the 2012 fiscal year and the Delhi basic service unit is in process of reconciliation.





Related Party Transactions





The accounting of transactions of related parties consists of transactions with the DoT and BSNL. While the DOT is the parent organization of  MTNL, BSNL is fully owned by the government of India.





In respect of transactions and balances with the DoT, the following steps have been undertaken as part of the ongoing process since last year:





1.
Both the Mumbai and Delhi units, under continued direction by the management, have submitted their net claims and related details on claims receivables and payables to the DOT to get the issues resolved. Deliberations are continuing on high levels at the DOT with the officers of CCA (Control and Communication Accounts) of the DOT at both places on a regular basis.




2.
A joint committee of senior officers of the DT and us is monitoring the progress.




In respect of transactions and balances with BSNL, the following steps have been undertaken as part of the ongoing process since last year:





1.
Both the Mumbai and Delhi units have been directed to reconcile claims payable and receivable with BSNL.





2.
At both Mumbai and Delhi units, senior level officers have exchanged various correspondences and organized meetings with BSNL for obtaining balance confirmation and to resolve the same.





3.
At the corporate level, a formal committee of senior officers of the Company, BSNL and the DoT is monitoring the progress.




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It may be noted that there is a periodic monitoring on these matters by the government of India. In a recent development, we furnished all necessary details and data to the DoT as part of the issue resolution process.





The balances receivable from and payable to related parties are:




As of March 31,2011


2012Receivables


Payables


Receivables


Payables(Millions of rupees)


(Millions of rupees)DoT (note i)


24,472



2,550



25,514



2,646BSNL (note ii)


20,376



17,287



25,349



20,494VSNL (note ii)


0



0



0



0Due from / to Related Parties


44,848



19,837



50,864



23,140Less: Current Portion


0



2,550



0



2,646Due from / to Related Parties, non-current portion


44,848



17,287



50,864



20,494Due from / to Related Parties - Current Million of U.S. $ Unaudited


346



228



0



52Due from / to Related Parties - Non Current Million of U.S. $ Unaudited


523



2,549



999



403




Broadband operations





As noted material weaknesses were observed in Broadband operations and the following action will be taken to overcome these weaknesses:




·
A reconciliation will be carried out between approved plan vis-à-vis plans updated in the system.


·
Approved User-wise access list with the Authority matrix will be defined for Elite core and portal.


·
A reconciliation will be carried out between total customer created in Elite core and portal and CSMS on monthly basis.


·
A reconciliation will be carried out between the billing summary report of Elite core and portal with billing summary of CSMS.


·
Reconciliation between revenue booked as per Ledger (WFMS) and Sub ledger (Elite core and portal) will be done.





Information Technology General Controls





We have adopted a detailed and formal IT Security policy.  Certain areas in the IT security policy and procedures require further strengthening and implementation with reference to controls related to (i) assigning IT Security officer/s to monitor IT processing activities and submit periodic reports to management and the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee, (ii) back up practices, and (iii) appointment of independent auditors for audit of IT areas and controls. Though delayed, these areas are to be strengthened and implemented by December 2012.  The initial Business Continuity Management Plan was prepared, and efforts are being made on a continuous basis to expedite the complete implementation of BCM strategy.





Some of these remedial actions could not be undertaken earlier due to delay in implementation of comprehensive convergent billing system, which had been scheduled to be functional by March 31, 2008, and is now expected to be functional by March 31, 2013.




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Item 16.  Reserved




Item 16A.                      Audit Committee Financial Expert




The current members of our Audit Committee are T.S. Narayanasami  as Chairman, V.S. Iyer,  and Adit Jain.  Each of them is considered a “financial expert”, as defined by applicable rules of the SEC and the NYSE.




Item 16B.                      Code of Ethics




We have a Code of Conduct for Board of Directors and Sr. Management Personnel.  This Code of Conduct was drafted to comply with the provisions of Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement of the Indian Stock Exchanges.  A copy of the Code of Conduct may be obtained upon request addressed to the Company Secretary at our principal executive office, indicated on the cover of this report, and also is posted on our website: http://www.mtnl.net.in.




Item 16C.                      Principal Accountant Fees and Services




M/S P. Parikh & Associates, Chartered Accountants, has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since the 2008 fiscal year.




Audit Fees




The following table sets forth the remuneration that we paid to M/S P. Parikh & Associates for the 2011 and 2012fiscal years in million Rs.:


2011


2012Audit Fees (1)

Rs.
5.5


Rs.
5.5All Other Fees


-



-Total

Rs.
5.5


Rs.
5.5




(1)      includes audit opinion for 2011 and 2012.




Audit fees represent fees for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.  Audit fees are fees agreed upon with M/S P. Parikh & Associates for the 2011 and 2012fiscal years, (including related expenses) for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements.  We did not pay any amounts to M/S P. Parikh & Associates for the 2011 and 2012 fiscal years for non audit-related fees, tax fees or other fees.




Audit committee pre-approval policies and procedures




Our Board of Directors requires management to obtain the Board’s approval before engaging independent outside auditors to provide any audit or permitted non-audit services to us, in addition to Audit Committee approval.  Pursuant to this policy, our Board of Directors pre-approves all audit and non-audit services provided by M/S P. Parikh & Associates, our principal auditor.  Pursuant to the Board’s pre-approval process, M/S P. Parikh & Associates prepares a detailed list of services that it proposes to perform during the coming year.  These proposed services are presented to the Board of Directors, which considers and approves the services.  Management is not permitted to engage our outside auditors for any audit or non-audit service that is not on the list of services approved by the Board of Directors without first returning to the Board of Directors for approval of such additional services.




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Item 16D.  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees




None of the members of our Audit Committee is an employee of the government of India, our majority shareholder.  As a result, we meet the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(ii)(B) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and comply with the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.




Item 16E.  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers




Neither we, nor any affiliated purchaser, made any purchase of our equity securities in the 2012 fiscal year.




Item 16F.  Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant




Not applicable.




Item 16G.  Corporate Governance




Governance Standards for Listed Companies




Many of the corporate governance standards set out in the NYSE Listed Company Manual (“NYSE Manual”) do not apply to us as a “foreign private issuer.”  Under the NYSE corporate governance standards, we are permitted to follow the corporate governance practices in India, our home country, and need only (i) establish an independent audit committee that satisfies the requirements of Rule 303A.06 of the NYSE Manual described in the following table; (ii) provide prompt certification by our chief executive officer of any material non-compliance with any corporate governance rules of the NYSE, as required by Rule 303A.12(b) of the NYSE Manual; (iii) provide annual written affirmations to the NYSE with respect to our corporate governance practices (and provide interim written affirmations each time a change occurs to the board or any of our committees); and (iv) provide a brief description of significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those followed by U.S. companies listed on the NYSE, as required by Rule 303A.11 of the NYSE Manual.




We are incorporated under the Indian Companies Act 1956 and our shares are listed on the major stock exchanges in India.  Our corporate governance requirements are subject to the Indian Companies Act 19546, the regulations and guidelines of the Securities and Exchange Board of India and the requirements of Indian stock exchanges, including those contained in Clause 49 of the listing agreement that companies enter into with Indian stock exchanges.  See Item 9C. “Markets-The Indian Securities Market” in this report.




The following table sets out a brief, general summary of the significant differences between the corporate governance standards applicable to us under our listing agreements with the Indian Stock Exchanges and the requirements of standards relating to U.S. domestic companies listed on the NYSE.




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Standard NYSE Practices

Our PracticeDirector Independence●
A majority of the board must consist of independent directors.  Independence is defined by various criteria including the absence of a material relationship between the director and the listed company or its affiliates.

Six of our twelve directors are deemed “independent directors” under Indian law.  Of the remaining directors, four are senior officers, including the Chairman and Managing Director and two are officers of the Department of Telecommunications.  See Item 6A.  “Directors and Senior Management” in this report.●
The non-management directors must meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management.

We do not have a procedure for our non-management directors to meet periodically without management.  Under Indian law, there is no such requirement.Audit Committee●
Listed companies must have an audit committee  consisting of at least three members and each member must be independent within the meaning established by the NYSE and Rule 10A-3 under the U. S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and must have a written charter.

Our Audit Committee is comprised of three members, all of whom may be deemed “independent” within the meaning established by the NYSE.  Our Audit Committee functions in accordance with Indian regulations.  See Item 16.D.  “Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees” in this report.●
The audit committee members must be financially literate or become financially literate within a reasonable period of their appointment to the audit committee.

All the Audit Committee members are financially literate.●
Each listed company must have disclosed whether their Board of Directors has identified an audit committee financial expert (as defined under applicable rules of the SEC), and if not the reasons why the board has not done so.

The Audit Committee has identified all of its members as “financial experts” (as defined under applicable rules of the SEC).●
The audit committee must have a written charter that addresses the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

Clause 49 of the Indian Listing Agreement addresses the duties, role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee.●
The audit committee’s purpose must be to assist the board in the oversight of the integrity of the company’s financial statements, the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the independent auditor’s qualifications and independence and the performance of the company’s internal audit function and independent auditors.  The committee must report regularly to the board.

The Audit Committee recommends the retention and the removal of the statutory auditors and determines the audit fees and expenses.



The Audit Committee reports regularly to the Board of Directors.●
The duties and responsibilities of the audit committee include conducting a review of the independent auditing firm’s annual report describing the firm’s internal quality control procedures, any material issues raised by the most  recent internal quality control review or peer review of the firm and any steps taken to address such issues.

The Audit Committee also meets separately, quarterly, with management, with internal auditors and with independent auditors and reviews with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response, if any.●
The committee must also discuss the company’s annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditors, the company’s earnings press releases, as well as financial information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and rating agencies, and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management.

The Audit Committee reviews our financial reporting processes and systems, and also reviews our financial and risk management policies.



The Audit Committee gets involved with the review of financial press releases and meetings with analysts and rating services.  120
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  Standard NYSE Practices

Our Practice●
The committee must also meet separately, periodically, with management, with internal auditors (or other personnel responsible for the internal audit function) and with independent auditors and review with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response.

We comply with this standard as we have an internal audit function.Other Committees●
Listed companies must have a compensation committee composed entirely of independent board members as defined by the NYSE listing standards.

As a “foreign private issuer,” we follow home country practice in lieu of NYSE Corporate Governance Standards as permitted with regard to other Board committees.



We do not have a Compensation Committee as the government of India sets the compensation of our executive officers.  Also, we do not have any equity based compensation plans for our executive officers, employees or directors. Under Indian law, a company’s board of directors sets the compensation for non-executive directors.●
Listed companies must have a nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent board members.

We do not have a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Under Indian law, this committee is not required.



Our articles of association provide that the President of India is empowered to appoint one third of our directors.  The government of India appoints the balance of the directors.We have a Shareholders’/Investors’ Grievance Committee which looks into any investor complaints, reviews all matters connected with transfers of our equity shares and recommends improvements to our investor services practicesBusiness Codes●
Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have established a “Code of Conduct” for directors and senior management personnel.●
Listed companies must adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines.

We have adopted corporate governance guidelines as prescribed in Clause 49 of the Indian Listing Agreements.  Every year we issue a Corporate Governance Report.  That Report is part of our Annual Report and is publicly available.Code of Business Conduct and Ethics●
Listed companies must adopt and disclose a code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers and employees, and promptly disclose any waivers of the code for directors or executive officers.

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our directors, officers and employees.   This Code is posted on our website.




Item 16H.      Mine Safety Disclosure








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PART III




Item 17.
Financial Statements




Not applicable.




Item 18.
Financial Statements




See pages F-1 through F-42 which include the following:




·
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




·
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012




·
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the Years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012




·
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements




Item 19.
Exhibits




Number
Description of Exhibit1.1
Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, as amended on January 31, 2002.  *2.1
Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, The Bank of New York, as depositary, and the holders from time to time to American Depositary Shares issued there under, including as an exhibit, the form of American Depositary Receipt.**4.1
Lease Agreement dated January 16, 1996 between Life Insurance Corporation of India and the Registrant.**4.2
License Agreement for provision of Internet Services in Delhi dated November 6, 1998 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and the Registrant.**4.3
License Agreement for provision of Internet Services in Mumbai dated November 6, 1998 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and the Registrant.**4.4
License Agreement for provision of Internet Services dated October 6, 2000 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and Millennium Telecom Limited.**12.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer***12.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer***13.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer***13.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer***




*Previously filed on September 30, 2002, as exhibits to Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year 2002.




**Previously filed on September 27, 2001, as exhibits to Registration Statement on Form F-4 (file number 333-13944).




***Filed herewith




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SIGNATURE




The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.




MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITEDBy:
/s/ Anita SoniName:
Anita SoniTitle:
Director – Finance





Date:  August 13, 2012





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EXHIBIT INDEX





Number

Description of Exhibit1.1

Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Registrant, as amended on January 31, 2002.*2.1

Form of Deposit Agreement among the Registrant, The Bank of New York, as depositary, and the holders from time to time to American Depositary Shares issued there under, including as an exhibit, the form of American Depositary Receipt.**4.1

Lease Agreement dated January 16, 1996 between Life Insurance Corporation of India and the Registrant.**4.2

License Agreement for provision of Internet Services in Delhi dated November 6, 1998 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and the Registrant.**4.3

License Agreement for provision of Internet Services in Mumbai dated November 6, 1998 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and the Registrant.**4.4

License Agreement for provision of Internet Services dated October 6, 2000 between President of India acting through Assistant Director General, Ministry of Communications and Millennium Telecom Limited.**12.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer***12.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer***13.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer***13.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer****Previously filed on September 30, 2002, as exhibits to Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year 2002.**Previously filed on September 27, 2001, as exhibits to Registration Statement on Form F-4 (file number 333-13944).***Filed herewith




124
 Table of Contents




Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited
 INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 PageReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-2Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 and 2012
F-5Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
F-6Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
F-7Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012
F-8Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
F-9
  F-1
 Table of Contents
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  To:
 The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
 Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited.
  We have audited the accompanying consolidated Balance Sheet of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited and its Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 and the related consolidated Statements of Operations, Shareholders’ Equity and Cash Flow Statement for the years ended March 31, 2012, March 31, 2011 and March 31, 2010 respectively. We also have audited Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The management of the Company is also responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as included in the accompanying management’s report on assessment of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, based on our audits.
  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) – United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance that whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
  A Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
  a.
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;
  b.
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and Directors of the Company; and
  c.
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that control may become ineffective because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
  A material weakness is a control deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies that may result in the material misstatement of the financial statements. The following material weaknesses have been identified and have been included in management’s assessment:
  F-2
 Table of Contents
  1.
The Company did not maintain effective control over the accounting of deposits received from subscribers at Delhi units in case of Landline services. There is no reconciliation of the balance of deposits as per CSMS system and the books of accounts. This control deficiency could result in a mis-statement of the current and non-current portion of Land Line customer deposits.
  2.
The Company did not maintain effective control over the accounting of dues from and to related parties, i.e. Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). There is no practice of obtaining balance confirmation for the outstanding balance at the year end in the books of accounts of the Company from such related parties. The overall balances pertaining to these related parties are not reconciled with the balances as per the books of account of such related parties. This control deficiency could result in a misstatement to the balances of dues from/to related parties and the corresponding revenue and cost of revenue.
  3.
During the review of broadband PAT operations in Delhi, it was observed that controls were not adequate in case of updation of approved tariff plans by authorized personnel in the billing system, namely elite and core. Further, certain other controls need improvement like ensuring that all customers have been updated in the billing system, bills are generated for all the customers using correct data based on actual usage, control over revenue recognition in the financial books, and review system of suspension and disconnection of customers. This control deficiency could result in a misstatement of the corresponding revenue. The total revenue of broadband Delhi is Rs. 2,955.05 million for the fiscal year 2011-12.
  4.
There were ineffective controls in the area of Information Technology General Controls (“ITGC”), which includes
  i.
Password Controls – The policy of using password has not been implemented for application ability at both Delhi and Mumbai units and Inventory Management System (“IMS”) application at the Delhi Unit.
  ii.
The IT security policy and procedures require further strengthening and implementation with reference to controls related to:
  ·
assigning IT Security officer/s to monitor IT processing activities (including system privileges and access controls) and submit periodic reports to management and the Board of Directors and/or Audit Committee
  ·
back up practices, and
  ·
appointment of independent auditors for audit of IT areas and controls.
  iii.
Audit trails were not enabled in CSMS, IMS, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and UNICON applications.
  iv.
In, Broadband and LCMS application, the user authority matrix is not defined, the process of offsite data storage does not exist and the functioning of help desk is not adequately monitored.  In Broadband and LCMS application, back up procedure, reconciliation of backup tapes and restoration procedure were not in place and access control system was not in place at data centers of Broadband and LCMS.
  v.
Controls related to Broadband application in Delhi needs to be strengthened which resulted in a substantial overall decrease in effectiveness at the Delhi Unit Level.
  vi.
There is a deficiency in Implementation of Business Continuity Plan (BCP). At the Delhi Unit Level, the implementation, identification of teams, assigning of roles and responsibilities, training, mock drills, business impact assessment, recovery procedures, etc. are pending. The company only has an insurance policy that covers critical business interruptions, loss of assets and third party liability incurred due to disaster.
  The above deficiencies could result in unauthorized access to key applications and databases and could lead to risk of breaches of security or errors remaining unnoticed and not rectified and risk of misstatement in financial statements.
  F-3
 Table of Contents
  These material weaknesses were considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2012,and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
  In respect of above deficiencies, in our opinion, management’s assessment on not maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2012,is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Frameworkissued by the COSO.
  In our opinion, except for the above mentioned deficiencies, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited as of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended March 31, 2012 are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
   P. PARIKH & ASSOCIATES
 CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
 Mumbai, India.
  Date: August 8, 2012
 F-4
 Table of Contents
   MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITED



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSAs of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Indian Rupees in millions, except per share data and as stated otherwise)


Convenience

translation into

millions of US $

(Unaudited)ASSETSCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents

Rs.
1,276

Rs.

908


$
18Short term investments in bank deposits


459



486



10Accounts receivable, net


1,179



1,050



21Inventories


1,177



897



18Unbilled revenues


2,135



2,089



41Other receivables


10,837



9,602



189Total current assets

Rs.
17,063


Rs.
15,032


$
295Investments in held to maturity securities


2,419



2,418



48Investments in affiliates


254



270



5Property and equipment, net


83,213



81,025



1,592Intangible assets, net


94,749



88,425



1,738Due from related parties


44,848



50,864



999Restricted assets


12



7



0Other non-current assets


2,491



1,568



31Total assets

Rs.
245,049


Rs.
239,609


$
4,708LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities:Accounts payable

Rs.
4,090


Rs.
4,049


$
80Dues to related parties


2,550



2,646



52Short term bank loan


19,217



26,480



520Accrued expenses and other current liabilities


28,105



30,563



601Total current liabilities

Rs.
53,963


Rs.
63,739


$
1,252Accrued employee cost


74,491



84,369



1,658Accounts payable - non current


8,037



8,445



166Long term bank loan


55,340



70,000



1,376Dues to related parties


17,287



20,494



403Non-current portion of customer deposits


8,159



6,461



127Total liabilities

Rs.
217,277


Rs.
253,507


$
4,981Contingencies and commitments (refer note 25)Shareholders’ equityEquity shares, 800,000,000 shares authorized, par value

Rs. 10 per shareIssued and outstanding –  630,000,000 and 630,000,000 shares as of March 31, 2011 and 2012 respectively

Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,300


$
124Additional paid-in capital


6,649



6,649



131Retained earnings (deficit)


14,515



(27,155
)


(534
)Research and development reserve


308



308



6Total shareholders' equity


27,772



(13,898
)


(273
)Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

Rs.
245,049


Rs.
239,609


$
4,708
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  F-5
 Table of Contents
  MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITED



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS  Year ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Indian Rupees in millions, except per share data and

as stated otherwise)


Convenience translation into millions of US$ (Unaudited)Revenues, net

Rs.
35,513


Rs.
36,778


Rs.
33,870


$
666Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)


(47,938
)


(37,781
)


(38,042
)


(748
)Selling, general and administrative expenses


(17,854
)


(13,261
)


(14,393
)


(283
)Depreciation and amortization


(14,759
)


(15,205
)


(16,124
)


(317
)Excess liabilities written back


568



899



752



15Income from Operations


(44,471
)


(28,570
)


(33,938
)


(667
)Interest from short term bank deposit


3,986



473



10.17



0Interest and other income net


3,119



4,463



(7,755
)


(152
)Income before unusual items, Income taxes, and share of losses of affiliates


(37,365
)


(23,634
)


(41,683
)


(819
)Income taxes (Refer note 18)


11,806



9,276



(3
)


(0
)Equity in (losses) of affiliates


5



15



16



0Net income

Rs.
(25,553
)

Rs.
(32,895
)

Rs.
(41,670
)

$
(819
)Earnings per equity shareBasic and diluted

Rs.
(40.56
)

Rs.
(52.21
)

Rs.
(66.14
)

$
(1.30
)Weighted average number of equity shares used in computing earnings per equity share


630



630



630



630
 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  F-6
 Table of Contents
 MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITED



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY  Common stock

Equity sharesNo. of shares


Amount


Additional paid-in capital


Retained earnings Restated

(Note 3)


Research and development Reserve


Total Stockholders' Equity

Restated

(Note 3)(Indian Rupees in millions, except per share data and as stated otherwise)Balance as on March

31, 2009 (as

previously reported)


630,000,000


Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,649


Rs.
75,534


Rs.
308


Rs.
88,791Restatement adjustments (Refer-Note 3)


-



-



-



(2,571
)


-



(2,571
)Balance as on March 31, 2009 (As Restated )


630,000,000


Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,649


Rs.
72,963


Rs.
308



86,220Net loss


-



-



-



(25,553
)


-



(25,553
)Balance as on March 31, 2010


630,000,000


Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,649


Rs.
47,410


Rs.
308


Rs.
60,667Net loss














(32,895
)






(32,895
)Balance as on March 31, 2011


630,000,000


Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,649


Rs.
14,515


Rs.
308


Rs.
27,772Net loss


-



-



-



(41,670
)


-



(41,670
)Balance as on March 31, 2012


630,000,000


Rs.
6,300


Rs.
6,649


Rs.
(27,155
)

Rs.
308


Rs.
(13,898
)Convenience translation into millions of US $ (unaudited)





$
124


$
131


$
(534
)

$
6


$
(270
)
  F-7
 Table of Contents
 MAHANAGAR TELEPHONE NIGAM LIMITED



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS  2010


2011


2012


2012(Indian Rupees in millions, except per share data and as stated otherwise)


Convenience translation into US$ (Unaudited)Cash flows from operating activitiesNet income/ (loss)

Rs.
(25,553
)

Rs.
(32,895
)

Rs.
(41,670
)


(819
)Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:Depreciation and Amortization


14,759



15,205



16,124



317(Profit)/loss on sale of fixed assets


(8
)


75



146



3Deferred taxes


(4,384
)


5,421



0



0Provision for bad and doubtful debts


959



534



860



17Excess liabilities written back


(568
)


(899
)


(752
)


(15
)Equity in (losses) of equity affiliates, net of taxes


(101
)


(31
)


(16
)


(0
)Changes in assets and liabilities, net














-(Increase) / decrease in accounts receivables and unbilled revenue


55



119



(684
)


(13
)(Increase) / decrease in Inventory


318



315



279



5(Increase)/ decrease in dues from related parties


(3,618
)


(4,925
)


(6,015
)


(118
)(Increase)/ decrease in other receivables


(3,836
)


5,003



2,159



42(Increase) / decrease in restricted assets


1



2



5



0Increase/ (decrease) in trade payables


3,809



(3,651
)


367



7Increase/ (decrease) in dues to related parties


2,560



(104,856
)


3,303



65Increase/ decrease in accrued employee cost


26,464



10,365



9,878



194Increase / (decrease) in accrued expenses and other payables


2,302



(2,042
)


1,512



30Net cash provided by the operating activities


13,158



(112,260
)


(14,506
)


(285
)Cash flows from investing activitiesPurchase of property and equipment, intangible assets


(12,146
)


(10,702
)


(7,979
)


(157
)Proceeds from property and equipment


55



906



220



4Investment in affiliates and in held to maturity securities


(320
)


345



-



-Investments in / proceeds from short term bank deposits


(1,110
)


47,376



(27
)


(1
)Net cash used in investing activities


(13,521
)


37,924



(7,786
)


(153
)Cash flows from financing activitiesProceeds from short term loans (refer note no. 21)


-



75,640



21,835



429Repayment of short term loans (refer note no. 21)


-



(75,640
)


(21,835
)


(429
)Bank overdraft


-



19,217



7,263



143Proceeds from long term loan


-



55,340



14,660



288Net cash from financing activities


-



74,557



21,923



431Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


(363
)


220



(368
)


(7
)Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period


1,419



1,056



1,276



25Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

Rs.
1,056


Rs.
1,276


Rs.
908


$
18Supplementary cash flow informationCash paid for interest

Rs.
13


Rs.
4,519


Rs.
(9,496
)

$
(187
)Cash paid/(received) to/from income taxes

Rs.
(1,406
)

Rs.
2,608


Rs.
(585
)

$
(11
)
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
  F-8
 Table of Contents
 
 1.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
  Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (“MTNL” or the “Company”) was incorporated in New Delhi, India as a limited liability company under the Indian Companies Act, 1956. MTNL is the principal provider of basic or fixed line telecommunications services in Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL also provides internet and cellular services in both Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL’s license for fixed line services which covers the state of Delhi and the municipalities of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane (which are in the state of Maharashtra) is valid up to March 31, 2013 and MTNL’s licenses for internet and cellular services are valid up to September 7, 2017 and October 9, 2017 respectively.  MTNL obtained a National Long Distance license for Delhi and the municipalities of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane valid from May 10, 2006 until May 9, 2026. MTNL has also obtained the spectrum license for operating 3G and BWA services in Delhi and Mumbai (including Navi Mumbai and Thane) for a period of 20 years and 15 years respectively.
  Millennium Telecom Limited (hereinafter referred to as “MTL”), a wholly owned India based subsidiary of MTNL, is engaged in providing capacity building in international bandwidth and web based tendering portal solutions. Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (hereinafter referred to as “MTML”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MTNL was registered in Mauritius in November 2003. MTML was granted a license by the Government of Mauritius on January 27, 2004 to provide public switched telecom services, public land mobile services and international long distance services for a period of 15 years with service obligation within 18 months of grant of license. MTML commenced operations during the year ended March 31, 2006.
  2.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
  (a)
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
 The consolidated financial statements include all controlled subsidiaries. In addition, MTNL will review its relationships with other entities to assess if it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. If the determination is made that we are the primary beneficiary, then that entity is consolidated. All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
  MTNL’s investment in business entities in which it does not have control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies (generally 20-50 percent ownership), are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
  The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and presented in Indian rupees (Rs. or `), the national currency of India which is also the functional currency of the Company. For the convenience of the readers, these consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2012, have been translated into United States dollars at the noon buying rate in New York city on March 31, 2012, for cable transfers in Indian rupees, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York of $1= Rs.50.89. No representation is made that the Indian rupee amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into United States dollars at such a rate or any other rate on March 31, 2012 or at any other date.
  (b)
Use of estimates
 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the results of operations during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions are used when accounting for certain items, such as but not limited to, allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable, future obligations under employee benefit plans, useful lives of property and equipment, valuation allowances for deferred taxes and contingencies.
  During the year the Company has decided to merge the CDMA unit with the Mobile (GSM) Unit which was earlier part of the Basic Unit.  The resultant change in provision for doubtful debts and CDMA instrument for older more than 180 days in line with the Mobile (GSM) units in comparison of provision for balances older more than three years in accordance with the policy of the Basic Units.  Due to this change in estimate an additional provision of Rs.56.55 million and Rs.65.70 million for provision for doubtful debts and CDMA instruments respectively has been made during the year.
  F-9
 Table of Contents
  With regard to classification of assets and liabilities into current/non-current assets/liabilities which have been reviewed and changed based on the assessment made in this year of their classification from current to non-current and vice-versa as per ARB43.  Therefore, receivables/payables in all cases wherever required, have been classified as non-current assets and non-current liabilites, during the 2012 fiscal year, respectively as MTNL believes that realization/payment of such of these cases is not reasonably expected to happen within the normal operating cycle of the business as per the assessment done.
  (c)
Foreign currency translation
 The Indian rupee(“Rupees” or “Rs.” or “”) is the functional currency of MTNL and its domestic subsidiaries and equity affiliates.  Transactions in foreign currency are recorded at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are expressed in the functional currency at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenues, costs and expenses are recorded using average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting periods. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in results of operations.
  (d)
Revenue recognition
 Revenues include amounts invoiced for call revenue, fixed monthly rental charges, roaming charges, activation fees, internet and broadband services, access and interconnection revenue and fees for value added services.
  Revenues for fixed line are recognized based upon metered call units (“MCU”) of traffic processed and cellular telephone services are recognized based on call data records (“CDR”) of traffic processed. Rental revenues and leased circuits rentals are recognized based upon contracted fee schedules. Revenues from internet and broadband services are recognized based on usage by subscribers. Revenues associated with access and interconnection for usage of the Company’s network by other operators for local, national long distance and international long distance calls are recognized gross in accordance with the Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”) and contracted fee schedules. TRAI regulation specifies the maximum per minute rates for traffic terminated on the Company’s network. Revenues are recorded net of applicable discounts, allowances and service tax.
  Amounts included in the financial statements, which relate to services provided from the last billing cycle date up to the end of the reporting period, are classified in current assets as “Unbilled revenue”. These are billed in subsequent periods as per the terms of the billing plans.
  Billings in advance for services to be rendered and amounts charged for new connections are included inaccrued expenses and other current liabilities’ under the caption deferred income. Amounts charged for new connections are recognized over the average life of the customer relationship.
  (e)
License fee and spectrum charges
 The Company is holding host of telecommunication licenses for providing various services in Delhi and Mumbai region viz. basic services, mobile services, National long distance (NLD), International Long Distance (ILD) and Internet telephony services for which the Company is paying license fees to the Department of Telecommunications (“DoT”) on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The percentage of license fees varies depending on type of license. Revenue earned from basic & mobile services entail 10% license fees whereas revenue earned from NLD, ILD & internet services are subject to 6% license fees.
 
 In addition to the license fees, the Company also pays out spectrum charges as a percentage of AGR payable to DoT for providing the GSM and CDMA services to customers. The spectrum charges are based on the AGR derived from the GSM and CDMA services and worked out on the basis of agreement with DoT which varies according to quantity of radio waves or say spectrum by the operator. The license fees and spectrum charges are expensed off immediately on accrual basis
 
 (f)
Network charges
 MTNL recognizes charges associated with access to and interconnection to other operators’ network for local, national long distance and international long distance calls in accordance with the Interconnect Usage Charges Regulation released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”), where applicable, or in accordance with the terms of agreements entered into with other operators. TRAI regulation specifies per minute charges for traffic terminated on the other operators’ network.
  F-10
 Table of Contents
  (g)
Cash and cash equivalents
 MTNL considers all highly liquid investments, with an original maturity or remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates their fair value due to the short maturity of the investments.
  (h)
Investment in short term bank deposits
 Investment in bank deposits represents term deposits placed with banks earning fixed rate of interest with maturities ranging from more than three months to one year. Interest on investment in bank deposits is recognized on accrual basis.
  (i)
Inventories
 Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method for all categories of inventories. Inventories comprise of handsets, cables, exchange equipment and other stores and spares which are used in operating and maintaining networks. MTNL reviews its inventories on a periodic basis to identify and provide for inventory obsolescence and inventories with carrying values in excess of realizable values based on its assessment of the future demands and market conditions. These write-downs are included in cost of revenues.
  (j)
Investment
 MTNL has evaluated its investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with ASC 320 (formerly SFAS 115), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” and determined that all of its debt securities are to be classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”). Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity since management has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost using the effective yield method, adjusted for the amortization or accretion of premiums or discounts, if any. Costs include transaction cost.  Currently all the investments classified as HTM were acquired at face value, without paying any premium or discount or incurring any transaction cost. Realized gains and losses on sale of HTM securities are included in earnings. Dividends and interest on securities are recognized when earned and included in other income.
  MTNL records an investment impairment charge on held-to-maturity securities when management believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is judged to be other than temporary. For securities where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined using pricing techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis. In order to determine whether a decline in value is other than temporary, the Company evaluates, among other factors, the duration and extent to which the value has been less than the carrying value, the financial condition and business outlook of the investee including cash flow indicators, current market condition and trends in the industry or the ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value.
  (k)
Property and equipment
 Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets acquired under capital  leases are stated at the present value of minimum lease payments less accumulated depreciation.
  Cost, in the case of the network, comprises all expenditure up to and including cabling and wiring within customers’ premises, contractor’s charges, materials and direct labor. Employees’ remuneration and benefits are capitalized based on technical assessment of actual staff costs directly related to such capital expenditure. Interest cost incurred for qualifying assets during construction period is capitalized based on actual investment and average cost of funds or specific rate of borrowings. Interest capitalized is included as a part of asset cost and is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. Major overhauls that extend the useful lives of existing assets are capitalized. The cost and the accumulated depreciation for property and equipment sold, retired or otherwise disposed off are removed from the stated values and the resulting gains and losses are included in the statement of income.
  Advances paid towards the acquisition of property and equipment outstanding at each balance sheet date and expenditures for construction of network systems and other projects (prior to the asset being ready for its intended use) are reflected as Capital Work in Progress.
  Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Assets under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized straight-line over their estimated useful life or the lease term, as appropriate. Property and equipment are being depreciated over their useful lives, which exceed the license term since the Company believes that its licenses will be extended beyond their current term. Intangible assets of entry fees for one time payment for 3G and BWA Spectrum are be amortized over the period of 20 years and 15 years respectively on straight line basis since August 8, 2008, i.e. from the date of allotment of spectrum.
 
 F-11
 Table of Contents
  The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC 410 (formerly FASB statement no. 143) “Asset Retirement Obligations”.  At present the Company does not have any material asset retirement obligation.
  MTNL has established the estimated useful lives of assets for depreciation purposes as follows:
  Land - leasehold
Over the period of the leaseBuildings
30 to 60 YearsCable and related equipment
20 to 25 YearsExchanges and related Equipment
10 YearsOther fixed assets
5 to 10 YearsIntangible Assets

(3G and BWA Spectrum)
20 years for 3G and 15 years for BWA

(since August 8, 2008)
 
 (l)
Impairment of long lived assets
 MTNL has adopted the provisions of ASC 360 (formerly SFAS 144) “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. MTNL reviews long-lived assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying amount of assets may not be fully recoverable. Each impairment test is based on a comparison of the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the asset to its recorded value. If impairment is indicated, the asset is written down to its fair value. Assets to be disposed are reported at the lower of the carrying value or the fair value less cost to sell.
  (m)
Operating Leases
 MTNL has certain cancelable operating leases for office premises. Rental expenses for operating leases are accounted for on a straight line method. Rental expense amounted to Rs.657 million, Rs.847 million and Rs.815 million, for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively.
  (n)
Retirement benefits
  Company's employees
  The Company has two sets of retirement schemes for its employees based on the option exercised by them. Under one scheme, the employees are eligible for provident fund, gratuity, leave encashment and in the other scheme, the employees are eligible for pension, general provident fund, gratuity and leave encashment.
  Pension
 The pension scheme is a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”). Under the pension plan, after retirement, employees are eligible for monthly payments including dearness allowance based on the last drawn salary. MTNL provides for the Pension Plan on the basis of an actuarial valuation. The entire Pension Plan of MTNL is unfunded subject to pending decision of DoT.
  Gratuity
 MTNL has a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Gratuity Plan”) covering eligible employees. The Gratuity Plan provides a lump sum payment to vested employees at retirement or termination of employment based on the respective employee’s salary and years of employment. MTNL provides for the Gratuity Plan on the basis of actuarial valuation.
  Medical
 The medical scheme is a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Medical Plan”). In accordance with the Medical Plan, retirees are entitled to receive reimbursements limited to half of the monthly salary drawn by the employee on the date of retirement and reimbursement of hospitalization charges in any year through insurance company under RECGHIS (Retirement Employee Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme) 2008. (Effective October, 2008)
  F-12
 Table of Contents
  Leave encashment
 Leave encashment benefit comprises of encashment of leave balances accrued by employees. These balances can be accumulated and carried forward up to a maximum of 300 days and are encashable during the tenure of employment or on the employee leaving the Company or on retirement. Leave encashment is being provided for on the basis of actuarial valuation.
  Provident fund
 Under Indian law, employees are entitled to receive benefits under the Provident Fund, which is a defined contribution plan. Both the employee and the employer make monthly contributions to the plan at a predetermined rate (presently 12.0%) of the employees’ salary (basic and dearness allowance). The contributions are paid to the Provident Fund Trust established by MTNL. MTNL is obligated to make contributions when there are shortfalls in statutorily assured rates of return on the assets of the trust. Currently, MTNL has no further obligation under the Provident Fund beyond its contribution, which is expensed when accrued.
  General provident fund
 The General Provident Fund scheme (the “GPF”) is a retirement scheme applicable to employees who have opted for the Government pension scheme. Under the scheme, employees contribute between 6% to 100% of their basic pay to GPF. The employer is not required to make any contributions towards the fund. The Scheme also allows participants to withdraw up to 90% of the amount contributed by them towards the GPF.
  During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company had set up an ‘MTNL GPF Trust’ (“GPF Trust”) and had applied to the Income Tax authorities for the recognition of the said Trust. During the year ended March 31, 2006, the GPF Trust has been recognized by the Income Tax authorities and the Company has funded the GPF Trust by transferring the accumulated GPF contribution till the date of formation of the GPF Trust. The Company has also provided interest at the statutorily applicable rate of 8% per annum on the employee contributions up to the date of formation of the GPF Trust. MTNL is obligated to make contributions when there are shortfalls in statutorily assured rates of return on the assets of the GPF Trust. Currently, MTNL has no further obligation under the General Provident Fund.
  Pension, gratuity, and leave encashment are defined benefit retirement plans. The liability thereof is provided based on an actuarial valuation. All actuarial gains and losses are expensed off in the year, in which they arise.  The gratuity plan is funded plan while pension and leave encashment are unfunded plans.
  Employees on secondment from DOT
  The employees who are seconded from DoT are entitled to pension, gratuity and leave encashment from the Government. MTNL makes contributions, to fund the Government’s pension, gratuity and leave encashment liability in respect of seconded employees, in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Government. MTNL has no further liability in respect of these employees. Additionally, these employees are covered under eligible Government medical schemes.
  (o)
Income taxes
 In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740 (formerly known SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes”income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of income in the period such changes are enacted. Based on management’s judgment, a valuation allowance against any deferred tax asset is recognized when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax asset will not be realized.
  (p)
Advertisement expenses
 Advertising and business promotion costs are expensed as incurred and amounted to Rs.423 million, Rs.245 million and Rs.217 million for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
  (q)
Dividends
 Dividends are recorded in the consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are approved by the shareholders.
  F-13
 Table of Contents
  (r)
Earnings per share
 In accordance with ASC 260 (formerly SFAS No. 128), Earnings Per Share (EPS), basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the period. MTNL does not have any dilutive securities and hence the basic and diluted earnings per share are the same.
  (s)
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
 i)
In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04- Fair Value Measurement, which amends the fair value measurement guidance and includes some enhanced disclosure requirements. The most significant change in disclosures is an expansion of the information required for Level 3 measurements based on unobservable inputs. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company will adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2012 and is currently evaluating its impact on the financial statements and disclosures.
  ii)
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05 – Comprehensive Income, which eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, an entity will be required to present items of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. The ASU was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. In December 2011, the FASB also issued an amendment to defer the presentation on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for annual and interim financial statements. The implementation of the two aforementioned amendments is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
  iii)
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08 Intangibles – Goodwill and Others, which is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of the annual goodwill impairment test by providing entities an option to perform a “qualitative” assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. The ASU is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. An entity can choose to early adopt if its annual test date is before the issuance of the final standard, provided that the entity has not yet performed its 2011 annual impairment test or issued its financial statements. An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the current two-step test. If an entity believes, as a result of its qualitative assessment, that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required.  The Company evaluated this option while considering impairment assessment during the year.
  iv)
In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11 “Disclosure about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”, which requires entities to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The objective of this disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of U.S. GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements. The ASU is effective for annual and interim period for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU.
  (t)
Reclassifications
 Certain items previously reported in specific financials statements captions have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation as stated above in sub-paragraph (b).
  F-14
 Table of Contents
  3.
RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIALS FOR THE YEAR 2008-09:
  In the fiscal year 2009-10, since prior period transactions have occurred (as detailed below), the Company has restated the financial statements for the fiscal year 2008-09 so as their inclusion might not impair the significance of net income to such an extent that misleading inferences might be drawn from the amount so designated.
  MTNL had provided for Rs.213.20 million during the year 2008-09 on account of 3G and BWA spectrum as license fee on the base reserve price subject to finalization of auction process by DoT and therefore the accounting policy in this regard was not made on that date. On finalization of the auction process by DoT, during the current year i.e 2010-11, in accordance with DoT guidelines dated August 1, 2008 on 3G spectrum and BWA spectrum and on finalization of the price on spectrum via DoT letter No P-11014/13/2008-PP, dated May 21, 2010, for 3G and DoT letter No P-11014/13/2008-PP, dated June 12, 2010, on BWA spectrum, the liability for Rs.1,109,79.7 million has been accounted for by creating intangible assets as one time charges payable to DoT for 3G and BWA spectrum. This is to be amortized for the period of 20 years and 15 years for 3G and BWA spectrum respectively on straight line basis. Accordingly the amortized amount for the period from August 8, 2008, the date of allotment of spectrum, to March 31, 2009 is Rs.4,082.30 million.
  Change in method of calculation of ISP license fee implemented for the fiscal year 2009-10 via MTNL CO letter No. MTNL/RA/AGR/2009/Pt dated March 29, 2010 is also extended for the previous year also.  The same is approved in the ECM held on June 12, 2010, and accordingly the license fees were reduced by Rs.70.42 million in the fiscal year 2008-09.
  4.
RELATIONSHIP AMONG DOT/BSNL AND THE COMPANY(Also refer note 20)
  The relationships among DoT/ Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (“BSNL”) / and MTNL are as follows:
  a. MTNL is a subsidiary of the Government of India which owns 56.25% of MTNL through DoT. DoT is a department of the Government of India. BSNL is an affiliate in common control with MTNL as the Government, acting through the DoT, holds 100% of the issued share capital of BSNL.
  b. DoT has granted licenses to MTNL to operate fixed line, cellular and internet services. The licenses for fixed line, cellular and internet services are valid until March 31, 2013, October 9, 2017 and September 7, 2017 respectively. DoT has also granted to MTNL, with effect from May 10, 2006 a National Long Distance License for Delhi and the municipalities of Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane valid up to May 9, 2026. DoT retains the right to revoke these licenses after giving one month's notice to MTNL. In June 2008, MTNL was awarded International Long Ditance (ILD) license by DoT to carry the calls at international destination. MTNL is working to carry the calls internationally through its own gateways which is presently carried through networks of other providers.
  c. In October 1999, the DoT which had performed the role of both licensor and policy maker for the Ministry of Communication and operated as India’s domestic long distance service provider and fixed-line service provider (except for the areas of Delhi and Mumbai), was split into two departments DoT and the Department of Telecom Services (DTS). DoT/ Telecom Commission, or DoT, now performs the role of licensor and policy maker. The Department of Telecom Services, or DTS, functioned as the Government of India's local and long distance network service provider till September 30, 2000. On October 1, 2000, DTS was incorporated as BSNL and carries out the functions of DTS including the determination of the networking charges payable for access to its network.
  d. Until March 31, 2001, BSNL was the sole service provider for carriage of NLD (National Long Distance) calls. Further, it was also carrying ILD calls up to the gateway provided by VSNL, India’s former government-controlled international long distance carrier. However, carriage of NLD and ILD (International Long Distance) calls has been opened to other operators with effect from April 1, 2001 and April 1, 2002 respectively. MTNL continues to use BSNL network for the carriage of NLD calls, and has entered into arrangements with other ILD operators for carriage of ILD calls with effect from April 1, 2002. However, international calls continue to be passed from MTNL’s network to international gateways operated by networks of other providers. MTNL pays the negotiated per minute charge to networks of other providers for carriage and termination of international calls which varies depending on the country of destination. Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2006, MTNL has started using its NLD license and has entered into a contract with networks of other providers for a lease line to carry MTNL’s call traffic between Delhi and Mumbai.
  F-15
 Table of Contents
  The following table gives details in respect of the Company’s significant revenues and (expenses) related to carriage of ILD calls, NLD calls License Fees, Spectrum Charges and inter connect usage charges with the above mentioned related parties:
 
 For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedDOT - License fees and spectrum charges (Refer note 5)


(3,461
)


(3,734
)


(2,816
)


(55
)BSNL - Networking charges for NLD calls (Refer note 5)


(1,451
)


499



1,126



22BSNL - Revenues for interconnect usage charges as per TRAI Regulation


342



239



3,084



61
 
 
 5.      LICENSE FEES AND SPECTRUM CHARGES
  The Company is holding several telecommunication licenses for providing various services in Delhi and Mumbai region, viz. basic services, mobile services, National long distance (NLD), International Long Distance (ILD) and Internet telephony services for which the Company is paying license fees to DoT on Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR). The percentage of license fees varies depending on type of license. Revenue earned from basic and mobile services entail 10% license fees whereas revenue earned from NLD, ILD and internet services are subject to 6% license fees.
 
 In addition to the license fees, the Company also pays spectrum charges as a percentage of AGR payable to DoT for providing the GSM and CDMA services to customers. The spectrum charges is based on the AGR derived from the GSM and CDMA services and worked out on the basis of agreement with DoT which varies according to quantity of radio waves or say spectrum by the operator. The license fees and spectrum charges are expensed off immediately on accrual basis. License fees and spectrum charges charged to income as part of cost of revenues amounted to Rs.3,461  million, Rs.3,734 million and Rs.2,816 million (including license fee on Internet services) for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively.  In February 2010, DoT had issued orders hiking spectrum usage charges (ranging between 1-2 per cent) for all mobile players (GSM and CDMA) as per the spectrum being held by them. The hike was made applicable from April 1, 2010.The new charges vary between 3-8 per cent depending upon the quantum of airwaves held by the respective operators.
 
 As per TD SAT Orders, dated August 30, 2007, several incomes other than operational income need not be accounted towards gross revenue for the calculation of License Fees and Revenue Sharing Expenditure may be accounted for on accrual basis instead of actual paid basis as insisted by DoT.
 
 It was challenged in Hon’ble Supreme Court by DoT and Hon’ble Supreme Court via its subsequent order dated January 10, 2010 in appeal (civil) no.31371-31375/2009 modified the stay order to that extent that the respondent will pay at the existing rates as per TDSAT Judgment, dated August 30, 2007, subject to filing an undertaking by them that deficiency if any, will be made good by them.  However, the stay continued on refund of amount already paid.  Being Govt. of India Enterprises both BSNL and MTNL are not party to it. Hence, applicability of the said judgment  to MTNL / BSNL was unascertainable.
 
 Subsequently at that point of time after repeated requests to DoT, MTNL via office letter no. MTNL/RA/AGR/2009/Part, dated September 13, 2010, once again requested DoT to allow to calculate AGR as per TDSAT Judgment from now onwards to maintain level playing field and also undertaking that any deficiency based on the final decision of the Hon’ble Supreme Court shall be made good by MTNL and DoT was also reminded via letter dated May 10, 2010 and January 14, 2011. However, DOT via a letter dated 17-37/2010/LF, dated February 23, 2011, has rejected MTNL’s plea for revision of license fees calculation as per TDSAT Judgment. Since MTNL was not one of the appellants to TDSAT case, the Company decided that it is not appropriate to account for the TDSAT impact of license fee in the accounts. However, the case has been discussed with DGP&T, the highest audit authority for government telecom companies in India, to extend the benefit of TDSAT judgment to MTNL as well.
  F-16
 Table of Contents
 
 The financial implications on MTNL due to disallowed income by DoT for license fees calculation from 2001-02 to March 31, 2011 would be Rs.4,265 million.  In October, 2011, Hon’ble Supreme Court withheld TDSAT judgment dated August 30, 2007 and allowed DoT to collect license fees from the operators on revenues earned from non-telecom activities also. The apex court said that the DoT's decision on charging licence fee on the gross revenue earned by the companies cannot be questioned.  However, the Supreme Court by declaratory judgment in October 2011 referred to the TDSAT the issue in respect of other operators against whom demands were raised by DoT to pay license fees “on other income” to consider the entire issue of AGR.  Since MTNL is neither a party in litigation nor is causing any default on this count, it continued to pay the license fees to DoT “on other income” as well.  However, if TDSAT and the Supreme Court take any further review on the subject in the pending cases, the same shall be applicable to MTNL.
 6.    CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedCash at bank and in hand


1,276



908



17.84Cash and cash equivalents


1,276



908



17.84
 
  7.
INVESTMENTS IN BANK DEPOSITS
  Investments in bank deposits represents term deposits placed with banks earning fixed rate of interest and amounted to Rs.459 million and Rs.486 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively, with maturities from more than three months to one year. Interest on investments in bank deposits is recognized on accrual basis.
  8.   PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedLand & buildings


18,213



19,374



381Cable and related equipment


78,352



80,128



1,575Exchanges and related Equipment


85,895



90,646



1,781Other fixed assets


6,733



6,872



135Capital work in progress


11,594



9,292



183Total


200,786



206,312



4,054Accumulated depreciation


(117,573
)


(125,287
)


(2,462
)Property and equipment, net

Rs.
83,213


Rs.
81,025


$
1,592
  In 1987, the assets and properties of the DoT located in Delhi and Mumbai were transferred to MTNL by an order of the Government of India (the "Government") and a deed of sale was executed by the Government in favor of MTNL representing an irrevocable transfer. Indian law generally requires that to perfect the transfer or lease of real property, the transfer should be evidenced by a formal, duly stamped deed of transfer and registered with the Central Land Registrar within a specified period after the execution of the deed of transfer or lease.  A formal transfer deed for real property of the DoT, transferred by the Government to MTNL has been executed but has not been registered with the appropriate municipal authorities. The formal transfer deed and physical delivery of possession of the DoT's non-real estate assets has resulted in the transfer of such non-real estate assets of the DoT to MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai.
  F-17
 Table of Contents
  Indian law also requires payment of stamp duty (at rates which vary among states) on instruments, which effect transfer of title to real estate or in respect of leases of real estate. MTNL has not paid stamp duty in respect of any of the acquired or leased properties. Accordingly, MTNL may be liable for stamp duty and penalties thereon if a deed is registered by MTNL in the future (other than with respect to the DoT properties acquired from the Government as at March 30, 1987). All liabilities for stamp duties in respect of the DoT properties acquired by MTNL from the Government as at March 30, 1987 are to be borne by the Government. The Company has been advised by its counsel that although the Company has valid possession including the risks and rewards of ownership and title to all of its property, to enable MTNL to perfect and thereby acquire marketable title to real property in its possession, it would need to have relevant documents relating to transfer or lease of real property duly registered and stamped. Accordingly, MTNL cannot sell its properties without payment of stamp duties and registering the properties in its name. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, MTNL has capitalized provision for stamp duty based on its best estimate amounting to Rs.63 million and Rs.89 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively. MTNL does not intend to sell any of these properties. In terms of its Articles of Association MTNL has to obtain prior approval of the President of India in respect of sale or disposal of any land or building costing more than Rs.1 million.
  9.      INTANGIBLE ASSETS
  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedIntangible Assets


111,680



111,746



2,196Total


111,680



111,746



2,196Less: Accumulated  amortization


(16,932
)


(23,321
)


(458
)Intangible Assets, net

Rs.
94,749


Rs.
88,425


$
1,738
  The intangible assets of the Company mainly consist of application software purchased from outside vendor and entry fees for 3G and BWA spectrum. The amounts are as follows:
  Millions of Rupees


Millions of US$Application software


700



153G & BWA spectrum fees


110,980



2,181
  10.
INVESTMENTS IN HELD TO MATURITY SECURITIES
  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedHeld-to-maturity securities11.5% Bonds of Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation

Rs.
2418


Rs.
2,418


$
48Rs.
2,418


Rs.
2,418


$
48
  8.75% Redeemable Cumulative Preference Shares of ITI Limited
  On February 14, 2003, MTNL invested Rs.1,000 million in 8.75% cumulative preference shares of ITI Limited (“ITI”) on a private placement basis. ITI is a government company in the telecommunication equipment and distribution business. ITI also supplies exchanges and cables to MTNL. These preference shares are redeemable in five equal annual installments commencing from September 30, 2005.
  The share purchase agreement between ITI and MTNL includes a provision for a letter of comfort from Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to MTNL endorsing the investment and also provides MTNL a right to set off principal payments owing under the terms of these Cumulative Preference Shares against amounts payable to ITI, in connection with MTNL’s purchase of exchanges and cable supplies.
  F-18
 Table of Contents
  As of September 30, 2005, ITI had not redeemed the first tranche amounting to Rs.200 million as per the repayment schedule and ITI had requested MTNL for an extension on the redemption dates.  However, MTNL had not accepted ITI’s request and has looked to the DoT’s letter of comfort and requested settlement of the first repayment tranche of Rs.200 million.
  As of September 30, 2006, ITI has not yet redeemed both the first and second tranches amounting to Rs.200 million each as per the original repayment schedule. ITI has to redeem third tranches amounting to Rs.200 million as on September 30, 2007.
  As of September 30, 2007, ITI has not yet redeemed the first, second and third tranches amounting to Rs.200 million each as per the original repayment schedule.
  As of September 30, 2009, ITI had not redeemed the first, second, third, fourth and last tranches amounting to Rs.200 million each pursuant to the original repayment schedule.
  Management has evaluated the investment in ITI for impairment, on the basis that the first, second and third tranches for repayment have not been settled by ITI. Management has evaluated the financial condition and business outlook of ITI including the new purchase orders received by ITI for supply of GSM equipment from BSNL and the Company. We currently have accounts payable to ITI of Rs.142 million as of March 31, 2010, which, pursuant to the share agreement, we can legally settle against the repayments owing under the cumulative preference shares.  In addition, we have the intent and ability to retain the debt security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery in value.
  Based on this evaluation and specifically considering that the share purchase agreement includes a provision for a letter of comfort from Department of Telecommunication (Government of India) to MTNL endorsing the investment and also provides MTNL a right to set off amounts receivable in respect of principal outstanding from the dues payable to ITI, management has concluded that Rs.800 million of this debt security due as of September 30, 2008 is impaired and as of March 31, 2009 further Rs.200 million of this debt security due has been impaired. Entire amount of investment in ITI has been impaired  up to fiscal year 2009
  However, DoT via letter no. U-59011-10/2002-FAC, dated July 31, 2009, deferred the repayment schedule of the above cumulative preference shares to 2012-13 onwards in five equal annual installments.
  11.5% Bonds issued by Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation
  MTNL has also invested Rs.2,500 million in bonds issued by Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation (“MKVDC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Government of Maharashtra. MKVDC allotted these bonds to MTNL on May 31, 2002. The bonds have a coupon rate of 11.5% per annum and are redeemable at the end of the 10th  year from the date of allotment. The repayment of these bonds is guaranteed by the Government of Maharashtra.
  Interest income has been recognized and realized on the bonds held in MKVDC.
  MTNL records an investment impairment charge when management believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is judged to be other than temporary. MTNL monitors its investments for impairment by considering current factors including economic environment, market conditions and the operational performance and other specific factors relating to the business underlying the investment. Based on its assessment of its carrying values of the above investments, management believes that there is no impairment of investments as of March 31, 2012.
  F-19
 Table of Contents
  11.
INVESTMENT IN EQUITY AFFILIATES
  On July 21, 2001, MTNL, in consortium with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited, Tata Communications(formerly VSNL) and Nepal Venture Private Limited entered into a joint venture arrangement to form United Telecom Limited (UTL). UTL was formed to provide wireless in local loop (“WLL”) services in Nepal. As at March 31, 2003, MTNL had invested Rs. 200 million in UTL in proportion to its 26.7% holding. In 2004, MTNL invested Rs.33 million in UTL in proportion to its 26.7% holding.  In the year ended March 31, 2007 MTNL has further invested Rs.56 million and during the year ended March 31, 2010 MTNL has invested Rs.69 million in proportion to its share. Our equity in the loss of the affiliate amounted to Rs.6 million for the 2010 fiscal year; our equity in the profit of the affiliate amounted to Rs.15 million for the 2011 fiscal year and our equity in the profit of the affiliate amounted to Rs.16 million for the 2012 fiscal year. The carrying value of investment in UTL is Rs.221.86 million and Rs. 251.37 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
  On March 31, 2006, MTNL STPI IT Services Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “STPI”), a joint venture of MTNL and Software Technology Parks of India, a society registered under the Ministry of Information Technology with  50% share holding.  The main objective of the Company is to undertake all such activities that are required to make domain “India in” popular. The project under this joint venture is under way. STPI project of data centre at Chennai (formerly Madras) will provide services like messaging, web-hosting, application hosting, web-farming application etc. The Company is on process of recruiting its own staff and will be recruiting the best professionals from software industry by providing remuneration in line with the industry.
  MTNL’s equity in profit/(loss) of STPI amounted to Rs.1.28 million and Rs.0.21 million for the year ended March 31, 2011 and 2012 respectively. The carrying value of investment in STPI is Rs.18.03 million and Rs.18.24 million as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
  The investments in equity affiliates are considered not to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and operating results.
  12.     INVENTORIES
  As of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedCabling


849



623



537



11Exchange equipment


548



489



460



9Telephone and telex equipment


589



536



434



9Less: Allowance for slow moving/obsolete stock


(496
)


(471
)


(534
)


(10
)Rs.
1,491


Rs.
1,177



897


$
18
  Activity in allowance for slow moving / obsolete stock is as follows:  For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedBalance at beginning of year


508



495



471



9Charged to expense


41



25



70



1Less: amounts written off


(54
)


(49
)


(8
)


(0
)Balance at end of year

Rs.
495


Rs.
471


Rs.
534


$
10
  13.      ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL DEBTS
  PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL DEBTS
  As of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedBalance at beginning of year


7,272



7,758



8,051



158Charged to expense


1,142



562



871



17Less:  Amounts written off


(656
)


(269
)


(324
)


(6
)Balance at end of year

Rs.
7,758


Rs.
8,051


Rs.
8,598


$
169
  F-20
 Table of Contents
 
 Accounts receivable are stated net of allowance for doubtful debts. Accounts receivable are not collateralized. The allowance for doubtful debts is determined principally on the basis of past credit loss experience and an evaluation of potential losses on the outstanding receivable balances. The activity in allowance for uncollectible accounts is given below:
  Since the Company is having the large customer base therefore the concentration risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited.
  14. RESTRICTED ASSETS
  As on March 31, 2012, restricted assets comprised of unclaimed dividend for the years 2003 to 2009 amount to Rs.7 million.
  15.
OTHER RECEIVABLES
  OTHER RECEIVABLESOther receivables consist of the following:  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedLoans to employees


304



269



5Accrued interest


1183



1,193



23Income Tax Receivables


4,061



2,567



50Others


5,289



5,573



110Less: Other assets, non-current

Rs.
10,837


Rs.
9,602



189
  As of March 31,2011



2012



2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedOTHER ASSETS, NON - CURRENTi) Housing loan to employees


845



788



15ii) Vehicles loan to employees


33



27



1iii) Others loans to employees


14



8



0Cenvat


183



105



2Income accrued from other Deposits, Loans & Advances


962



931



18Advance tax (refer note No. 18)


454



(291
)


(6
)Rs.
2,491


Rs.
1,568


$
36
  Income Tax receivable include appeal effect of Rs.1,015.43 million pertaining to assessment year 2000-01 which is pending for settlement by the Income Tax Department. This include Tax amount of Rs.603.03 million and interest accrued thereon amounting to Rs.412.4 million (including Rs.101.86 million for the year). Efforts are being made to recover the same at the earliest.
  F-21
 Table of Contents
  16.   ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedInterest accrual on deposits


348



772



15General provident fund contribution of employees, net


13,432



13,758



270Deferred income


5,042



5,749



113Advance received from customers and others


1,481



1,141



22Customer deposits


183



161



3Accrued employee cost


1,973



1,633



32Other payables and accruals


7,111



5,813



114Others


10



59



1Gratuity


49



(103
)


(2
)Leave Encashment:(i) Company Employees


498



435



9(ii) Others


(422
)


(424
)


(8
)(i) Company Employees


3,325



6,496



128(ii) Others


(4,925
)


(4,927
)


(97
)Rs.
28,105


Rs.
30,563


$
601
  The General Provident Fund accrual represents amounts contributed by employees (who have opted for the Government pension rules), net of advances taken. Prior to the absorption (in the year 2000), this fund was being maintained by DoT. MTNL has raised claims amounting to Rs.13,541 million on DoT up to March 31, 2012 (2011: Rs.12,781 million) in respect of employee contributions (pre absorption) together with the interest accrued. An offsetting amount has been included in the non-current portion of amounts due from related parties as disclosed in Note 20.
  Subsequent to absorption, in the absence of any rules available for deposit of such employee contributions, the amounts of employee contributions have been retained by MTNL. These funds are not restricted and could be used to fund the activities of MTNL until such time that the funds must be transferred to the GPF Trust. During the year ended March 31, 2006, a GPF Trust had been created and Rs.4,340 million had been transferred to GPF Trust. The outstanding amount owing to the trust of Rs.13,758 million continues to be a part of accrued expenses and other current liabilities as of March 31, 2012 as the amount is due to be recovered by the DoT.
  17.
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME, NET
  Interest and other income, net consist of the following:For the years ended March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedInterest from investment in MKVDC


288



288



6Interest on loans to employees


94



93



2Interest on advances and others, net


289



444



9Interest paid on customers deposits


(5
)


(4
)


(0
)Interest on income tax refunds


7851



313



6Other income


461



742



15Interest paid on bank loans


(4,515
)


(9,492
)


(187
)Interest and other income, net

Rs.
4,463


Rs.
(7,616
)

$
(150
)
  F-22
 Table of Contents
  18.
INCOME TAXES
  Total income tax expense is attributable to income from continuing operations and consists of the following:
  For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedCurrent tax


(11,311
)


29



(9
)


(0.17
)Deferred tax


4,384



8,962



11



0.22Taxes for earlier years written back / paid


(4,880
)


285



0



0.01Aggregate Taxes

Rs.
(11,806
)

Rs.
9,276


Rs.
3


$
0.06
  Note: Current tax for financial year 2011-12 includes taxes for foreign subsidiaries Rs.13.02 million and  Deferred Tax includes taxes for foreign subsidiaries Rs. (6.40) million
  For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedIncome before taxes and share from affiliates


(37,365
)


(23,634
)


(41,543
)


(816
)Average enacted tax rate in India


30.90
%


30.90
%


30.90
%


0.01Computed tax expense


(11,546
)


-



-



-Effect of tax assessed for earlier years


(6,940
)


9,247



12



0.23Tax reversals, Net


-



14



0



-Others


-



15



14



0.28Permanent differences


6,680



(0
)


(23
)


(0.45
)Income taxes recognized in the statement of income

Rs.
(11,806
)

Rs.
9,276


Rs.
3


$
0.06
  Significant components of activities that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities included in the financial statements are as follows:  As of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedDeferred tax assets:Net Operating Losses carried forward


0



13,718



16157



317Allowances for uncollectibles and others


1,643



14,702



5574



110Deferred settlements amount not recognized in income


2,794



-



0



0Post retirement benefits


2,735



3,776



3822



75Others


7,486



1,456



1458



29Total deferred tax assets

Rs.
14,658


Rs.
33,652


Rs.
27,011


$
531Deferred tax liabilities:Excess of tax allowance over depreciation


(3,218
)


(793
)


(1,100
)


(22
)Interest capitalized


(6,018
)


-



0



0Others


-



(10,124
)


(546
)


(11
)Total deferred tax liabilities


(9,236
)


(10,916
)


(1646
)


(32
)Net deferred tax asset / (liability)

Rs.
5,421


Rs.
(22,736
)

Rs.
(25,365
)

$
(498
)Less: Valuation Allowance

Rs.
-


Rs.
(22,736
)

Rs.
(25,365
)

$
(498
)Net Deferred tax asset Created

Rs.
5,421


Rs.
-


Rs.
-


$
-
 
 Note:  The Company believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets so reported above shall not be realized in near future. Therefore, a valuation allowance has been made for the entire deferred tax asset.
  F-23
 Table of Contents
  Net deferred tax assets / (liabilities) included in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
 
 As of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedCurrent:Deferred tax assets

Rs.
6,072



-



-



-Non-current:Deferred tax assets


8,586



-



-



-Deferred tax liabilities


(9,236
)


-



-



-Total non-current


(650
)


-



-



-Net deferred tax asset / (liability)

Rs.
5,421



-



-



-
  Permanent differences represent certain expenses, which are not allowed as deductible expenses under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.
  As per section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 a company, which starts to operate telecommunication services at any time on or after April 1, 1995, but before March 31, 2000, is entitled to a tax holiday for a period of 10 years beginning with the year in which such services are started. As per the tax holiday, 100% of the profits derived from such services are exempt from tax in the first 5 years, and 30% of such profits are exempt from tax for the next 5 years. MTNL on the basis of advice from its legal counsel has historically claimed such benefit. The Company’s claim have been rejected at the first appellate level and the case has been referred to the Committee of Disputes, which is a body formed by the Government to settle disputes between Government controlled undertakings and the Government. The Committee has referred the case to the Tax appellate authorities for reconsideration. During the year ended March 31, 2006, the case has been set aside by the Income Tax Appellate Authority for the assessment years 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01 and 2002-03 and has referred the matter back to the Assessing Officer for a fresh assessment after hearing the case again. During the year 2006-07 assessing officer has made fresh assessment for calculation of deduction u/s 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 and allowed partial benefit to MTNL.MTNL has filed appeals against that partial allowance to the higher authority.
  MTNL has filed appeals against that partial allowance to the higher authority. Also refer to Note 25iii(b)(ii) to the notes to the consolidated financial statements.During the year ended March 31, 2008, MTNL received refunds from Income Tax Authority in respect of penalty levied for the years 1995-96, 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2001-02.  These penalty refunds pertain to the claims made by MTNL under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act.  The penalty amount was refunded by the income tax department along with interest thereon which had duly been accounted for in the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2008.  An excess provision amounting to Rs.6,050 million were made to the tax expenses during the year ended March 31, 2008.
  During the year ended March 31, 2008, the Assessing Officer allowed partial refunds in respect of deductions under Section 80IA for assessment years 2001-02 and 2003-04.During the 2009-10 fiscal year, the Honorable ITAT allowed our claim under section 80IA for six assessment years (1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2005-06) to exempt up to 75% of the income we earned from services.  The Income Tax authorities has refunded the tax amount Rs.2,819.00 million (including Interest of Rs.1,361.84) for assessment year 1998-99 and rest of the years are in progress. MTNL filed further appeal during the year 2010-11, in Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL, which is similarly situated. During the 2011 fiscal year, the Income Tax Authorities have refunded the tax amount of Rs.13,766 million (including interest of Rs.7,310 million) for assessment years 98-99,99-00,00-01, 01-02, and 02-03.  MTNL filed a further appeal during the 2011 fiscal year in Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL which is similarly situated. During the 2012 fiscal year, the appeals for the claim under section 80IA for the 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006 assessment  years have been admitted by the Hon’ble High Court.  Another appeal for the assessment year 2005 under section 80IA claim has been filed before Hon’ble High Court and also been admitted.  All above appeals/cases are now pending for regular hearing before Hon’ble High Court.  During the 2012 fiscal year, Income Tax authorities has refunded Rs.3,507.43 million on account of rectification of refund orders issued for the 1999 & 2002 assessment years.
  F-24
 Table of Contents
  The Company believes that it is more likely than not, the deferred tax assets so reported above shall not be available in the near future. Therefore for entire deferred tax assets, valuation allowance has been made.
  19.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
  (a)
Employees seconded from DOT
 
 MTNL’s employees who are seconded from DoT are entitled to pension, gratuity benefits and leave encashment from the Government. MTNL makes contributions to the DoT to fund the liability in respect of these employees in accordance with the rates prescribed by the Government. MTNL’s contributions are charged to income in the period they are incurred. The amount for pension, gratuity and leave encashment recognized for such employees in the consolidated statements of income are as follows:
  For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedPension (including gratuity)


18



12



165



3.25Leave encashment


12



8



14



0.28Rs.
30


Rs.
20


Rs.
180


$
4
 
 (b)
Employees of MTNL
 
 i.
Pension, Gratuity and Medical benefits
  The pension and gratuity to the non-executives employees of MTNL are defined benefit plans, the cost and liability, for which are based on an actuarial valuation. Further MTNL introduced a ‘MTNL retired employee’s medical facility scheme’ for employees with effect from January 1, 2002. The scheme was initially introduced for a period of 12 weeks and was subsequently extended every year by orders issued by the competent officials. The cost and liability of the medical benefit plan for its retired employees is based on an actuarial valuation. The Company entered into an agreement with ICICI Lombard for its medical coverage for the period from April 1, 2006. ICICI Lombard subsequently expressed their inability to continue with the scheme and finally the agreement was discontinued from September 2, 2006. The earlier scheme was reinstated thereafter. The medical scheme is a defined benefit retirement plan (the “Medical Plan”). In accordance with the Medical Plan, retirees are entitled to receive reimbursements limited to half of the monthly salary drawn by the employee on the date of retirement and reimbursement of hospitalization charges in any year through insurance company under RECGHIS (Retirement Employee Contributory Group Health Insurance Scheme) 2008. (Effective October, 2008). In 2011, MTNL has introduced the new medical benefit plan for its employees with effect from March 10, 2011 by entering into an agreement with insurance company which is a contributory scheme in nature and where MTNL’s liability is restricted to the insurance premium payable to the insurance company.
  ii
Absorption of Executive employees
  The Company had given an option to its executive employees (B category) for absorption with MTNL with effect from October 1, 2000, at a revised pay scale that is higher than the existing pay scale. The offer for absorption provided that in addition to getting post retirement benefits like gratuity and leave encashment, the employees would have to opt for pension based on the government rules.
  F-25
 Table of Contents
  During the year ended March 31, 2004, majority of employees had opted for absorption with MTNL. MTNL determined the incremental liability on account of revised pay scales and related retirement cost based on an actuarial valuation. MTNL has raised claims on DoT amounting to Rs.2,784 million for the period up to the October 1, 2000, which represent amounts recoverable towards retirement benefits calculated at the rates prescribed by DoT for its employees on secondment. These have been included in Dues from related parties as disclosed in Note 20.
  During the year ended March 31, 2005, an additional 1,108 executive employees opted for absorption with MTNL. MTNL has determined the incremental liability on account of revised pay scales and related retirement cost based on an actuarial valuation. In respect of these employees, MTNL has raised claims on DoT amounting to Rs.541 million for the period up to the October 1, 2000, which represent amounts recoverable towards retirement benefits calculated at the rates prescribed by DoT for its employees on secondment. These have been included in Dues from related parties as disclosed in Note 20.
  During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company had given an option to its executive employees (Category A) for absorption with the Company with effect from October 1, 2000, at a revised pay scale that is higher than the existing pay scale. Out of approximately 1,218 Group A employees currently working in MTNL, 65 employees have exercised their option as at March 31, 2006 and have been absorbed in MTNL. The offer for absorption provided that in addition to getting the post retirement benefits like gratuity and leave encashment subsequent to absorption, the employee would have to opt for either pension based on the government rules or provident fund based on the company policy. A case has been filed by the Indian Telecom Service Association (acting on behalf of Group A officers) with the High court appealing for the stay order against absorption of Group A employees on the contention that terms and conditions of absorption are not clear. The High Court has subsequently passed a stay order against further absorption of Group A employees. Pending finalization of the terms of absorption, the Company, during the year ended March 31, 2006, has provisionally accrued a charge of amounting to Rs.25.39 million on account of revised pay scales for the executive employees who exercised the option up to that date. However, no claims have been raised by the Company on DoT for the related retirement costs pending finalization of terms of absorption and outcome of the court case.
  iii.
The following tables sets forth the status of the pension, gratuity plan and medical benefits. The measurement date used is March 31, of the relevant fiscal year.
  The Pension PlanAs of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedAccumulated benefit obligation

Rs.
39,881


Rs.
46,581


Rs.
62,917


$
1,236Changes in projected benefit obligation:Projected Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year


33,487



56,973



66,544



1,308Service cost


1,100



3,380



3,452



68Interest cost


2,860



5,030



5,638



111Actuarial loss


21,298



3,517



6,669



131Benefits paid


(1,772
)


(2,355
)


(3,312
)


(65
)Projected Benefit obligation at the end of the year

Rs.
56,973


Rs.
66,544


Rs.
78,991


$
1,552Changes in plan asset


-



-



-Unfunded status

Rs.
(56,973
)

Rs.
(66,544
)

Rs.
(78,991
)


(1,552
)Accrued provision for pension

Rs.
(56,973
)

Rs.
(66,544
)

Rs.
(78,991
)

$
(1,552
)
 
 A 1% increase in the discount rate on the Company’s weighted actuarial assumption as on March 31, 2012 would have decreased accrued pension cost by Rs.4,498 million and a 1% decrease in the discount rate on the Company’s weighted actuarial assumption as on March 31, 2012 would have increased accrued pension cost of Rs.4,244 million.
  F-26
 Table of Contents
  The components of net pension costs are reflected below:  For the Years Ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedCurrent service cost

Rs.
1,100


Rs.
3,380


Rs.
3,452


$
68Interest cost


2,860



5,030



5,638



111Actuarial loss


21,298



3,517



6,669



131Net periodic pension cost

Rs.
25,258


Rs.
11,927


Rs.
15,759


$
310
 
 Cash Flows  For the financial year ended March 31,

Expected contribution(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) Unaudited2012


6,496



1282013


9,780



1922014


10,373



2042015


9,931



1952016


9,562



1882017 – 2021


47,233



928
 
 In the 2000 fiscal year, substantially all of MTNL’s non-executive employees originally employed by the DoT decided to terminate their services with the DoT and accept employment with MTNL with effective from November 1998.  Under the option given to them for pension benefits, most of the MTNL absorbed employees have opted for retaining pension benefits in accordance with the Central government pension rules and some other employees have opted for retirement rules which as applicable to the directly recruited employees, and opt to draw pro rata until their absorption.  Accordingly, with effect from November 1, 1998, MTNL started accruing for pension and gratuity for these employees.  In August/September 2002, the DoT indicated that the Government would pay for the pension benefits of the government employees absorbed by MTNL who opted for either the Central government scheme of pension or for the pro rata pension scheme for the period served with the DoT.  However, the terms of such payments are in the process of finalization.  Once these terms are finalized and the payments are made to the DoT for the period of employment of these employees with MTNL, MTNL expects that its liability for post-retirement obligations would be limited to monthly contributions on the basis of the rules to be prescribed by the government of India. Until now, in the absence of any further movement from the Government, MTNL is discharging all such liabilities.  However, the attention of the government of India has focused on this issue in the 2012 fiscal year.  Efforts are being made to get the issue of payment of pension to MTNL absorbed employees from the Government or a Government controlled trust, and are under very active consideration.  The staff side and MTNL management are interacting on this issue, and with DoT officials who are also coordinating on this issue with various levels of the Government and through correspondence.  It is hoped to reach settlement on this issue in the 2013 fiscal year.
 
 
 The Gratuity Plan  As of March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedAccumulated benefit obligation

Rs.
6,383


Rs.
8,602


Rs.
11,732


$
231Changes in projected benefit obligation:Projected Benefit obligation at the beginning of the year


8,380



10,444



12,073



237Service cost


386



502



563



11Interest cost


720



900



1,034



20Actuarial (gain) or loss


570



964



1,072



21Past Service Cost (Vested Benefits)


1,036



-



-



-Benefits paid


(648
)


(738
)


(951
)


(19
)Projected Benefit obligation at the end of the year

Rs.
10,444


Rs.
12,073


Rs.
13,791


$
271Changes in plan assetFair value of the plan assets at the beginning of the Year


6,637



8,958



11,188



220Actual return on plan assets


407



591



1,687



33Employer contributions


2,562



2,377



1,071



21Benefits paid


(648
)


(738
)


(951
)


(19
)Plan assets at the end of the year

Rs.
8,958


Rs.
11,187


Rs.
12,995


$
255Unfunded status


(1,487
)


(886
)


(795
)


(16
)Accrued provision for gratuity

Rs.
(1,487
)

Rs.
(886
)

Rs.
(795
)

$
(16
)
  F-27
 Table of Contents
  A 1% increase in the discount rate on the Company’s weighted actuarial assumption as on March 31, 2012 would have decreased accrued gratuity cost by Rs.703 million and a 1% decrease in the discount rate on the Company’s weighted actuarial assumption as on March 31, 2012 would have increased accrued gratuity cost by Rs.769 million.
 
 The components of net gratuity costs are reflected below:  For the years ended March 31,2010


2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of

US $)

UnauditedCurrent service cost

Rs.
386


Rs.
502


Rs.
563


$
11Actuarial obligation assumed on account of absorption


-



-Interest cost


720



900



1,034



20Expected return on plan assets






(877
)


(900
)


(18
)Actuarial (gain) or loss


874



1,251



284



6Curtailment (gain)/ loss


(710
)


-



-



-Past Service Cost (vested benefits)


1,036



-



-



-Net periodic gratuity cost

Rs.
2,306


Rs.
1,775


Rs.
981


$
19
  Cash Flows
  The Company expects to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate:  For the financial year ended March 31,

Expected contribution(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) Unaudited2013


1,164



232014


1,300



262015


1,287



252016


1,276



252017 – 2021


6,810



134
 
 The following table sets forth the fair value of the gratuity plan assets as of  March 31, by asset category:
 
 As of March 31, 2012Rs. in millions


Total in U.S.$Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


TotalGovernment bonds

Rs.
5,577



-



-


Rs.
5,577


$
110Public sector bonds


-


Rs.
4,608



-



4,608



91Fixed deposits


157



-



-



157



3Cash


43



-



-



43



1Others*


3,562



-



-



3,562



70Total

Rs.
9,339


Rs.
4,608



-


Rs.
13,947


$
275
 
 * A sum of Rs.952 million (Rs.1,071 million) is yet to be transferred by MTNL to the gratuity trust and amount of Rs.2,609 million (Rs. 2,609 million) is recoverable from DoT for pre-absorption period.
  F-28
 Table of Contents
  As of March 31, 2011Rs. in million


Total in U.S.$Level 1


Level 2


Level 3


TotalGovernment bonds

Rs.
4,371



-



-


Rs.
4,371


$
98Public sector bonds





Rs.
3,870



-



3,870



87Fixed deposits


274



-



-



274



6Cash


64



-



-



64



1Others


3,680



-



-



3,680



83Total

Rs.
8,389


Rs.
3,870



-


Rs.
12,259


$
275
 
 The weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost were:  2010


2011


2012Discount rate


8.50
%


8.50
%


8.50
%Future salary increases


3.50
%


3.50
%


3.50
%Rate of return on plan assets


8.00
%


8.00
%


8.00
%Rate of hospitality incidence (% of mortality rate)


150
%


150
%


150
%
 
 iv.
Leave pay obligations :
 
 Leave pay expenses amounted to Rs.1,567 million, Rs.1,754 million and Rs.957 million for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Accrued employee cost include Rs.5,583 million, Rs.6,524 million and Rs.7,371 million leave pay obligation of MTNL as of March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. Out of this, an amount of Rs.433.74 million and Rs.653.68 million is recoverable, from DoT in respect of Group B, Group C and Group D employees respectively for the period prior to their absorption in MTNL.
  v.      Provident fund
  Provident fund, a defined contribution plan, is being administered through trustees and MTNL’s contributions are expensed each year. MTNL has recognized Rs.516 million, Rs.542 million and Rs.521 million for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively in the consolidated statements of income.
  20.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
  MTNL is a Government Company under the Indian Companies Act. MTNL is listed on the major stock exchanges in India and the New York Stock Exchange. As of March 31, 2012, the Government owned 56.25% of the issued share capital of MTNL, with the remaining balance owned by private investors.Consequently, the Government, acting through the DoT, continues to control MTNL and will have the power to elect all of its Directors to determine the outcome of most actions requiring approval of the Board of Directors or Shareholders, including proposed expansions of MTNL's business (including into areas in which MTNL may compete with BSNL), transactions with the DoT or the assertion of claims against the DoT/BSNL.
  In addition, under MTNL's Articles of Association, the President of India, on behalf of the Government, may issue directives with respect to the conduct of the business and affairs of MTNL, and certain matters with respect to its business including the appointment and remuneration of the Company's Chairman cum Managing Director and the declaration of dividends. MTNL may not take action in respect of any matter reserved for the President of India without his approval. BSNL is a 100% owned subsidiary of the Government of India, and therefore by virtue of common control, is an affiliated sister Company of MTNL. As noted in Note 11, MTNL has a 26.7% holding in United Telecom Limited (UTL) and 50% holding in MTNL STPI IT Services Ltd. (STPI).
  F-29
 Table of Contents
  Note 4 describes in more detail the nature of the relationships between the DoT/BSNL and the Company as well as transactions with these parties. Amounts due to and from the DoT/BSNL are disclosed separately on the Company’s balance sheet as amounts due to/from related parties.
  As of March 31,2010


2011


2012Receivables


Payables


Receivables


Payables


Receivables


Payables(Millions of rupees)DOT (note i)

Rs.
23,517


Rs.
113,910


Rs.
24,472


Rs.
2,550


Rs.
25,514


Rs.
2,646BSNL (note ii)


15,536



10,269



20,376



17,287



25,349



20,494VSNL (note ii)


-



683



-



-



-



-Due from / to Related

Parties

Rs.
39,053


Rs.
124,861


Rs.
44,848


Rs.
19,837


Rs.
50,864


Rs.
23,140Less: Current Portion


15,536



10,269



0



2,550



0



2,646Due from / to Related Parties, non-current portion

Rs.
23,517


Rs.
114,593


Rs.
44,848


Rs.
17,287


Rs.
50,864


Rs.
20,494Due from / to Related Parties - Current

$
305


$
202


$
0


$
50


$
0


$
52Million of US $ UnauditedDue from / to Related

Parties - Non Current

$
462


$
2,252


$
881


$
340


$
999


$
403Million of US $ Unaudited
  Note i:
  The amounts due from the DoT are primarily on account of pre-absorption retirement benefits which are recoverable by MTNL. Such retirement benefits (pre absorption) were calculated at the rates prescribed by DoT (Refer Note 19). Furthermore, amounts recoverable for the General Provident Fund in respect of employee contributions (pre absorption) of Rs.13,541 million (2011: Rs.12,781 million) together with the interest accrued (Refer Note 15) is also included in this balance. Amounts due to the DOT represent license fees and spectrum charges to be paid by MTNL in accordance with conditions governing license fees for Basic Telephone Service and Cellular Telephone Service under the Revenue Sharing Regime (Refer Notes 2(e) and 4).
  Note ii:
  Amounts due from BSNL represents claims receivables related to interconnect usage charges as per TRAI Regulations and the payables are on account of networking charges for NLD calls. (Refer Note 4).
  Management has classified the amounts due from the DoT as non-current on the basis that there are no fixed terms for repayment from these related parties, and while management expects to negotiate settlement of the amounts within the next 12 months, there are no assurances that this will occur.
  F-30
 Table of Contents
  21.
SHORT TERM BORROWINGS
  Short term borrowings of the Company comprises of short term loans and current portion of long term debt.
  As of March 31,2011


2012


US $(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of Dollars) UnauditedShort term loans from bank


29,800



-



-Less: Refinanced as long term


(29,800
)


-



-Balance


-



-



-Bank Overdrafts


19,217



26,480



520Total

Rs.
19,217


Rs.
26,480


$
520
 
 22. LONG TERM LOANS
  Long-term loan from banks, net of current portion
  As of March 31,2011


2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) UnauditedTerm loans - Rupee loanSecuredFrom Banks

Rs.
5,340


Rs.
70,000


$
1,376Less: Current portion of long-term loan


-



-



-Long-term loan, net of current portion

Rs.
55,340


Rs.
70,000


$
1,376
  The scheduled maturity of long-term loan as of March 31, 2012 is under:  Schedule of Maturity
  Due in the Years ending March 31

As of March 31,2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US $) Unaudited2014


2,400



472015


11,100



2182016


15,150



2982017


20,000



3932018


18,450



3632019


2,900



57Total

Rs.
70,000


$
1,376
 
 The Company has been allocated the 3G and BWA spectrum by DoT in Delhi and Mumbai circle in the year 2008.
  For MTNL and BSNL, being the state owned companies, one block of each spectrum was reserved for them and has been allotted much ahead from the private operators. The entry fees for these spectrums was discovered, on pan India basis, through an open auction among private telecom operators by DoT. The Company has to match the highest price paid by the private operator in Delhi and Mumbai circle that ended in May 2010 for 3G and June 2010 for BWA. The total price for 3G and BWA spectrum, MTNL has paid Rs.110,980 million to DoT in the year 2010.
  Delhi and Mumbai were the most expensive circles for 3G with the bid for Delhi costing Rs.3,3169.30 million and Mumbai Rs.3,2470.70 million against the reserve price of Rs.3,200 million each for both the metros.
  Similarly for BWA, Delhi and Mumbai witnesses the highest bids at Rs.2,2410.20 and Rs.2,2929.50 million, respectively. MTNL has already launched 3G mobile services.
  F-31
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  The Company has borrowed long term loans and short term loans later re-financed to long term loan from banks to finance the liability of this payment. The long term loans from these banks are secured in nature which have floating first pari passu charge on all fixed & current assets. All the long term loans that Company is carrying has a moratorium period of three years for which the Company is contracted to pay only interest obligations.
  The weighted average interest rate for the long term loans as of March 31, 2012 is 12.16%.
  23.
EQUITY SHARES
  The Company has only one class of capital stock referred to herein as equity shares. Par value of each equity share outstanding as of March 31, 2012 is Rs.10.
  Voting
 Each holder of equity shares is entitled to one vote.
  Dividends
 Final dividends proposed by the Board of Directors are payable when formally declared by the shareholders, who have the right to decrease but not increase the amount of the dividend recommended by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors declares interim dividends without the need for shareholders’ approval. Dividends payable to equity shareholders are based on the net income available for distribution as reported in MTNL’s unconsolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Indian GAAP. Dividends are declared and paid in `. Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP may, in certain years, either not be fully available or be additionally available for distribution to equity shareholders.
  Under Indian GAAP the accumulated retained earnings available for distribution to equity shareholders, subject to certain restrictions was Rs.74,700 million, Rs.55,718 million and Rs.14,811 million as of March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.
  Under the Indian Companies Act, dividends may be paid out of the profits of a company in the year in which the dividend is declared or out of the undistributed profits of previous fiscal years. Before declaring a dividend greater than 10.0% of the par value of its equity shares, a company is required to transfer to its reserves a minimum percentage of its profits for that year, ranging from 2.5% to 10.0% or higher, depending on the dividend percentage to be declared in such year.
  Liquidation
 In the event of liquidation of the Company, the holders of equity shares shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Company in proportion to the number of equity shares held, after distribution of all preferential amounts, if any.
  Stock options
 MTNL has not granted any stock options to any of its employees or to others.
  24.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND CONCENTRATION OF RISK
  Credit risk
 Financial instruments which potentially subject MTNL to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of periodic temporary investments of excess cash, trade receivables, and investments in ITI Limited preference shares and MKVDC bonds. The Company places its temporary excess cash in short term deposits. By their nature, all such financial instruments involve risk including the credit risk of non-performance by counter parties. In management’s opinion, as of March 31, 2011 and 2012, there was no significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance of the counter parties to these financial instruments, other than the amounts already provided for in the financial statements. To reduce credit risk, MTNL performs ongoing credit evaluation of customers.
  The risk in relation to investment in ITI Limited is offset by clause relating to MTNL’s entitlement to set off the amounts receivable in respect of principal outstanding from the dues payable to ITI Limited. The clause is built into the share purchase agreement. As of March 31, 2009, Rs.200 million, the balance of the investment of Rs.1,000 million investment in ITI was charged as an impairment because of uncertainty involved in getting them back. DOT vides its letter no. U-59011-10/2002-FAC dated July 31, 2009, deferred the repayment schedule of the above cumulative preference shares to 2012-13 onwards in five equal annual installments.
  F-32
 Table of Contents
  The credit risk for the investment in bonds issued by MKVDC is minimized due to the payment mechanism envisaged in the prospectus, which states that any shortfall is to be met by the Maharashtra State Government that has undertaken to earmark an amount equal to interest and principal repayments out of its annual budget for the respective corporation. In the event of such amount not being transferred the trustees would be entitled to invoke the guarantee given by the state government.
  Fair value
  The Company measures the fair value of its financial instruments according to ASC 820-10 “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure” which establishes the frame work for measuring fair value of financial instruments.
  The fair value hierarchy under ASC 820-10 is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable and consists of the following three levels:
  Level 1—Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
  Level 2—Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs which are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
  Level 3—Inputs which are unobservable reflecting internal assumptions are used in pricing assets or liabilities.
  The Company’s AFS investments are carried at fair value. As of March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011, the Company did not have any exposure in AFS investments.
  The fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and shortterm borrowings, approximate their carrying values because of  short-term nature of these instruments. Such financial instruments are classified as current and are expected to be liquidated within the next twelve months.
  Estimation of fair value of financial instrument relies on management judgment; however there are inherent uncertainties in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair values are not necessarily indicative of all the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction as of March 31, 2012. The estimated fair value amounts as of March 31, 2012 have been measured as of this date, and have not been re-evaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements.
  25.
Contingencies and commitments
  i.
CAPITAL COMMITMENTS
  Contractual commitments for capital expenditure pending execution were Rs.2,004.16 million and Rs.4,467 million as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 respectively. Contractual commitments for capital expenditures are related to purchase of property and equipment.
  ii.
GUARANTEES
  MTNL has outstanding financial/performance bank guarantees of Rs.981.62 million and Rs.951 million as of March 31, 2012 and 2011 respectively. The bank guarantees are essentially provided to the Government of India for financial and performance roll out obligations as prescribed in respective license agreements.
  F-33
 Table of Contents
  iii.
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
  MTNL is involved in tax and legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. MTNL periodically assess its liabilities and contingencies in connection with these matters based upon the latest information available. For those matters where it is probable that MTNL could have incurred a loss and the loss or range of loss can be reasonably estimated, the Company has recorded reserves in its consolidated financial statements. In other instances, MTNL is unable to make a reasonable estimate of any liability because of the uncertainties related to both the probable outcome and amount or range of loss. As additional information becomes available, MTNL adjusts its assessment and estimates of such liabilities accordingly.
  Based on review of the latest information available, management believes that the ultimate liability in connection with pending tax and legal proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows or financial position, with the possible exception of the matters described below.
  (a)
Sales tax
 The Mumbai Unit had applied for amnesty under the Maharashtra Kar Nivaran Yojana, 1999 in respect of the Sales Tax demands of Rs8.10 million (Rs.8.10 million). The application for amnesty towards demands aggregating Rs.2.09 million (Rs.2.09 million) has been accepted. The balance applications relating to demands of Rs.6.02 million (Rs.6.02 million) are under process and are not included under Contingent Liabilities.
 
 (b)
Income taxes
 i.
The Central Income Tax Authority of India (“CIT”) had historically disallowed the license fee paid by the Company to DoT for the years ended March 31, 1994 till March 31, 2006 as a tax deductible expense and had raised a demand for payment of taxes on increased taxable income relating to such expenses. These demands had been contested by the Company.
  During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company had obtained favorable decisions from the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (“ITAT”) with respect to the license fee disallowed for the assessment years 1997-98 and 2001-2002. Further in respect of assessment years 1995-96 and 1996-97, the Committee of Disputes (“COD”), on the recommendations of the Ministry of Law, decided not to give clearance to either the Central Board of Direct Taxes or the Company to file appeals in the Hon’ able High Court, making the decision of the ITAT binding on both the parties. Subsequent to the COD’s decision, the Company has applied to ITAT to restore the appeal and decide in favor of the Company.
  During the year ended March 31, 2006, based on the judgments passed in the previous years, ITAT has allowed deduction of license fees as a tax deductible item for assessment years 1998-99 to 2000-01 and 2002-03. License fees have also been allowed as a deduction by CIT (A) for assessment year 2004-05.
  During the year ended March 31, 2007, based on the judgments issued in the previous years, ITAT has allowed deduction of license fees as tax deductible item for the assessment years 1995-96 and 1996-97 also. Management believes that ITAT following its favorable judgments of earlier years will eventually decide in favor of the Company for the years in dispute and an adverse outcome in respect of the above is not probable. Based on the above stated favorable judgments, the Company has not accrued the tax charge on the license fee in the financial statements. The Company during the year 2006-07 has received interest on deposits paid under protest to the tax authorities and the refunds for the years decided in favor of the Company i.e. 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99,1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2004-05.  The refunds and the interest thereon have been recognized in the statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2007.
  During the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company has received refunds for the years 2002-03 and 2004-05 along with interest which has been duly accounted for in the Company’s books of accounts for the year ended March 31, 2008.
  As part of the appeals process, the Company had deposited under protest, amounting to Rs.3,146 million as of March 31, 2009. These deposits have been classified as part of restricted assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
  ii.
The Income Tax authorities have historically disallowed the Company’s claim for a tax holiday under section 80IA of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 (Also refer note 18). For assessment years 2001-02 to 2004-05, the income tax authorities have demanded Rs.10,677 million as penalties for the deduction claimed by the Company under Section 80IA -Income Tax Act, 1961. The Company is contesting these disputes at various levels of income tax appellate authorities including the ITAT. During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company’s appeal to determine the applicability of section 80IA has also been admitted by the High Court. Under the Indian laws, High Courts only admit a case, pertaining to income taxes, if there is a ‘question of law’ involved in the litigation and not ‘a question of facts’. Under the Income tax laws no penalty can be levied if there is a ‘question of law’- interpretation involved. The Company has adequately disclosed in its income tax filings its claims under section 80IA and further since its appeal has also been admitted by the High Court, management believes that it is ‘a question of law’ on which no penalty can be levied by the income tax authorities. Also, the ITAT has restored the claim of the Company u/s 80IA for the assessment years 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01 and 2002-03 to the assessing officer.
  F-34
 Table of Contents
  Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2007, MTNL has received fresh orders from the assessing officer partially allowing the deduction u/s 80IA for the assessment years 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01 and 2002-03 and received refunds and interest thereon. For claiming full deduction of claim u/s 80IA, the Company has filed the appeals to the higher authority. The Company is of the view that the orders in respect of the above years have reached a stage of finality and accordingly the refunds and the interest thereon have been recognized in the statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2007 under tax expense and interest income respectively. However, in respect of other years it is possible that the authorities may take a different view as the same matters are at various stages of appeals or assessment. In view of this, the Company has not recognized the benefit of tax deduction under section 80IA for these years until a finality is reached on the subject matter.
  During the year ended March 31, 2008, the Company received refunds from Income Tax Authority in respect of penalty levied for the years 1995-96, 1996-97, 2000-01 and 2001-02. These penalties pertain to the claims made by the Company under section 80IA of India Income Tax Act. The penalty amount has been refunded by the Income tax department along with interest thereon which has duly been accounted for in the statement of Income for the year ended March 31, 2008.
  During the year 2008-09, the Assessing Officer allowed partial refund in respect of deduction under section 80IA for assessment years 2001-02 and 2003-04.
  During the 2009-10 fiscal year, the Honorable ITAT allowed deduction under section 80IA for six assessment years (1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2005-06) to exempt up to 75% of the income the Company earned from services.   The Income Tax authorities has refunded the tax amount Rs.2,819 million (including interest of Rs.1,361.84) for assessment year 1998-99 and rest of the years are in progress. The Company filed further appeal during the years 2010-11, in Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL, which is similarly situated.
  During the 2011 fiscal year, the Income Tax Authorities have refunded the tax amount of Rs.13766 million (including interest of Rs.7,310 million) for assessment years 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-2001, 2001-02 and 2002-03.  We have filed a further appeal during the 2011 fiscal year in Honorable High Court of Delhi for a 100% claim under section 80IA, based upon the treatment of BSNL which is similarly situated.
  iii.
General Provident Fund is a scheme applicable to the Company’s employees who have opted for the Government Pension rules. In the absence of any rules available for deposit or such contribution the amounts had been retained by the Company pending notification from the Government.
  The CIT had considered the contributions made by the employees towards the General Provident Fund for the year ended March 31, 2001 to 2004, as taxable income of the Company. The amount of additional income tax demanded together with interest amounted to Rs.1,652 million as of March 31, 2005. As a part of the appeals process the Company had deposited Rs.1,306 million as of March 31, 2005 under protest to the tax authorities. These deposits had been classified as part of restricted assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
  During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company had set up an ‘MTNL GPF Trust’ and had applied to the Income Tax authorities for the recognition of the said Trust. The Company believed that the entire GPF contribution till date will be allowed on payment of the same to the Trust. During the year ended March 31, 2006 the GPF Trust has been recognized by the Income Tax authorities and the amount deposited in the Trust has been allowed as a deduction in the relevant year.
  iv.   During the year 2009-10, the Income Tax department has raised a demand of Income tax for Rs.5,635.72 million treating the Customer deposits as income for the AY 2006-07 because these deposits are subject to reconciliation. The Customer deposit, per se, cannot be treated as income since it is payable to customer at the time of termination of telephone services. On the above appeal is pending before CIT. The Company believes it has a valid defense against these claims and based on opinion received from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is not probable.
  (c)
Disputes with BSNL
 In accordance with the Inter Connect Usages Regulations, the Company has accounted for interconnection charges payable to BSNL amounting to Rs.6,924 million and Rs.3,627 million for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 respectively (also refer note 5).  However BSNL had raised a bill for the interconnection charges for the calls originating from MTNL’s network and terminating/transiting at/from BSNL amounting to Rs.12,165 million and Rs.8,030 million for the years ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 respectively. The Company’s contention was that the claim was not adequately supported by BSNL and hence not accepted by the Company.
  F-35
 Table of Contents
  In the absence of an interconnection agreement, MTNL had provided NLD/ILD access charges for the period ended March 31, 2002 at the rates lower than those demanded by BSNL. Subsequent to the year ended March 31, 2004, in a meeting held between DoT, BSNL and the Company the rates for NLD calls for the year ended March 31, 2002 were agreed and accordingly the Company has accounted additional liability of Rs.233 million during the year ended March 31, 2004. The Company may be required to pay ILD access charges amounting to Rs.195 million for the period April 1, 2001 to January 31, 2002 on the settlement of the dispute with BSNL in this regard.
  During the year ended March 31, 2006, the DoT had constituted a three members committee comprising the Member (Production), Telecommunications, Member (Finance), Telecommunications and Deputy Director General (Business Solution) to resolve the issues relating to networking charges. Based on the recommendations of the Committee described in their minutes dated January 2006, the networking charges payable to BSNL for the years March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2005 have been settled at Rs.14,078 million as against Rs.10,551 million. Further, the Committee has also settled networking charges for the years 2000 to 2003 in the meeting held in January 2006. Accordingly, an amount of Rs. 3,809 million (including the incremental charge of Rs.3,527 million for the years 2004 and 2005) has been accounted as networking charges in the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2006.
  Subsequent to the year end March 31, 2006, meetings have been held between BSNL and MTNL wherein BSNL has raised additional claims for the year up to March 31, 2005 aggregating Rs.2,007 million and claims amounting to Rs.5,670 million for the year ended March 31, 2006 on account of networking and others charges. As against these claim for the year ended March 31, 2006 the Company has accounted Rs.4,040 million for networking charges payable to BSNL.
  The Company’s contention is that since all claims relating to networking and other charges for the period upto March 31, 2005 have already been settled in accordance with the minutes of DOT committee held on January 2006 and the claims for the year ended March 31, 2006, are not adequately supported by the BSNL and hence not accepted by the Company. Further, the Company is in the process of discussing/reconciling their claims for the year ended March 31, 2006 with BSNL and may be required to pay an additional amount based on the final settlement, however such payments will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Management believes that an adverse outcome in respect of the above is not probable. Therefore the difference amount of above claims of Rs.3,637 million has been shown as contingent liability. In addition to that  Delhi Unit has accounted for the expenditure on account of telephone bills of service connections raised by BSNL towards MTNL for the period from October 1, 2000 to September 30, 2006 of Rs.98.01 million on the basis of actual reimbursement made for subsequent periods against the disputed claim of Rs.312.72 million, since no details / justifications are received from BSNL in spite of repeated persuasion till date. The balance amount of Rs.214.72 million is shown as contingent liability.
  During the 2008 fiscal year, the Company raised claims against BSNL for duct charges and TAX usage charges amounting to Rs.515 million and Rs.546 million, respectively.  The Company has not recognized these claims as income in its statement of operations considering the history of other disputed claims with BSNL, that currently there is no separate agreement for these services and that BSNL has not accepted these claims.
  During the 2009 fiscal year, the Company raised claims against BSNL for duct charges and tax usage charges amounting to Rs.522.12 million and Rs.1,223.55 million, respectively.  The Company has not recognized these claims as income in its statement of operations as BSNL has rebutted such claims.
  During the 2010 fiscal year, the Company raised charges on BSNL amounting to Rs.403.17 million for infrastructure and for electricity and other charges amounting to Rs.86.12 million, which BSNL has not rebutted.  Management believes that the income claimed will be recoverable from BSNL.  Accordingly, these amounts have been recognized as income in the Company's statement of operations.  Further, during the 2010 fiscal year, the Company had raised claims against BSNL for tax usage charges amounting to Rs.700.83 million.  It has not recognized these claims as income in its statement of operations due to absence of any interconnect agreement with BSNL.
 
 During the 2011 fiscal year, the Company, increased infrastructure charges to BSNL amounting to Rs.586.65 million and Rs.184.91 million for electricity and other  charges, which have not been rebutted by BSNL. No tax usage charges has been billed to BSNL since BSNL has installed its own Trunk Automatic Exchange.
  F-36
 Table of Contents
  During the fiscal year 2012 amounts of Rs.868.65 million and Rs.190.58 million have been accounted for as Infrastructure Usage charges for using the various office building and spaces of MTNL and property tax, electricity, water and fuel charges respectively.
  (d)
Disputes with the DoT
 On the formation of the Company, employees were deputed to MTNL on deemed deputation status from the DoT and the Company was required to contribute for the Leave Salary and Pension Contribution (“LSPC”) as per the rates prescribed by the Government. The Company had accrued for these expenses amounting to Rs.2,884.74 million for the period 1986 to 1998 and subsequently paid them to the DoT.
  During the year ended March 31, 2006, a Committee was set up to examine the amount of LSPC contributions payable by MTNL to the DoT. The Committee concluded that an additional amount of Rs.656 million was payable on account of short payment of the LSPC contribution and an amount of Rs.1,738 million is payable on account of interest payable on delayed payment of the LSPC contributions. The Company has accepted the claim of the DoT for Rs.656 million and has expensed it in its statement of income for the year ended March 31, 2006. In respect of Rs.1,738 million, the Company has contested the claim from the DoT on the contention that MTNL has abided by the DoT’s decision at all stages by depositing the amounts as required. In this connection the terms and condition as laid down in Fundamental Rules & Service Rules (FRSR) to the government of India with regard to prior intimation of calculation of contribution of the pension amount has not been communicated to us, and management believes that an adverse outcome in respect of the above is not probable.
  License fees payable to the DoT are calculated on the AGR accounted for on accrual basis in respect of both revenue and revenue sharing with all other operators.  As regards the directions of Supreme Court in respect of calculation of License Fees and AGR the matter has been referred back to TDSAT and is pending with regard to the AGR calculations, etc, in cases of other operators where demands had already been raised by the DoT.  However, the Company is not a party to the dispute and the AGR is calculated as per License Agreement and in case of BSNL the same is done on netting of receivables and payables by the Company and the same issue of revenue sharing with BSNL the issue has been taken up with the DoT.  The impact of Rs.1,403.60 million on this account has been shown as contingent liability in the 2012 fiscal year, although there is no demand from the DoT at this stage in view of on-going assessment of license fees paid by the Company for the 2008 fiscal year and onward as a conservative approach by the Company.  Refer note No. 5.
  (e)
Others
 i.
In 1998, M&N Publication made claims for Rs.5,415 million against the Company. These claims arise out of contracts for the printing of telephone directories for Delhi and Mumbai. Each of these claims includes claims for loss of reputation and loss of business opportunities. The Company has made claims of Rs.4,169 million against M&N Publications for failure to perform the contracts. These claims are pending before a sole arbitrator. The Company believes that it has valid defenses to these claims and based on opinion received from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is not probable. The dispute with M&N Publication(renamed as GETIT Infomediary Pvt Ltd.) is pending before Justice A.M. Ahmadi, former Chief Justice of India.
  ii.
In the 2005 fiscal year, Alcatel brought claims against us aggregating Rs.169.16 million (including interest from 1996 on the claims made of Rs.127.87 million) as of March 31, 2012.  These claims arose out of contracts for supply of digital local telephone exchange equipment, and include claims for loss of reputation and loss of business opportunity.  The claims are pending in arbitration.  The case is at the stage of examination of witnesses and last hearing was held in May 2012. We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.
  iii.
The Company received claims aggregating Rs.481.82 million (including interest) as of March 31, 2012 from various PRM service providers (World Phone, Voice Infotech and ITC). These claims arose from the contracts for PRM services, which were started in the 2000 fiscal year.  We had not paid commission payable for these services to these providers, as the amount was subsequently not recovered from the subscribers. The claims include Rs.119 million towards loss of profit and wasteful expenditure incurred by the parties. An arbitration award of Rs.112.55 million, plus interest, was made in the World Phone claim, which both we and World Phone appealed to the Delhi High Court.  These appeals are pending. The matter in respect of World Phone case is now listed in the category of “Finals” and shall be taken up at its own turn. In case of M/s Voice Infotech no proceeding happened since March 2007 and also in case of M/s ITC no proceeding took place since July 2006. We believe we have a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is unlikely.
  F-37
 Table of Contents
  iv.
The Company has received claims from CMC limited aggregating to Rs.741.07 (March 2011 Rs.692.97) million.  These claims arise out of usage of leased circuits for which MTNL has charged them rental for CUG services as per the revised tariff plan which is disputed by CMC Limited. These claims include claims for loss of reputation, business opportunity and undue harassment aggregating to Rs.220 million..  The Company believes it has a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion received from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is not probable.
  v.    Dispute with Reliance Infocom(UASL operator): The Company has received a claim of Rs.3,921 million (including interest) from Reliance infocom. The case dates back to the year March 31, 2005, MTNL noticed that a very large number of calls were received from certain levels of another operator’s network. On further investigation/analysis, it came to the Company’s notice that these were actually ILD calls, which were being received on Local/NLD trunks and that the CLIs (Caller line Identification) of these calls had been tampered by the other operator. MTNL raised a demand on the other operator based on the relevant penal clauses of its agreement aggregating Rs.3,412 million for a period of six months beginning April 2004. The other operator has disputed the above claim and under repeated threats of disconnection, obtained a stay order from High Court of Delhi. In the year ended March 31, 2005 during the course of the hearings, the honorable High Court directed the other operator to pay Rs.2,368 million to MTNL. During the year ended March 31, 2006, the other operator under directions from the High Court has further deposited Rs.1,040 million with MTNL. The petition filed by UASL Operator before Hon’ble High Court, Delhi is dismissed as withdrawn with a liberty to the UASL operator to take steps in accordance with the Law.  The matter is presently pending with the Hon’ble Court/TDSAT. Management believes that the Company has strong defense and amount received from Reliance infocom will not be repaid.
  vi.
The Company has received claims aggregating Rs.196 million (March 2011 Rs.187 million) From M/s Haryana Telecom for dispute in respect of reduction of notified rates for supply of PIJF cables to MTNL against DoT T.E. No. 14-21/94-MMT(MMS) dated November 30, 1994 opened on January 24,1995. The claim of the claimant is of Rs.3,61,99,154/-with interest at 24% from June 1997 till date of payment. The Company believes it has a valid defense to these claims and based on opinion received from legal counsel, management believes that an adverse outcome is not probable.
  vii.
The DOT has given commitment via GOI Ministry of Communication and IT department of Telecom via letter  no 40-29/2002-Pen(T), dated August 29, 2002, that it has been agreed in principle that payment of pensionaries benefits including the family pension to the government employees absorbed in MTNL and who have opted for government scheme of pension shall be paid by the government. The exact modalities in this regard are being worked out by the department of pension and pensioner welfare. Pending decision of modalities of liability payable to DoT towards pension contribution on MTNL, so as to have a prudent method, on conservative basis, MTNL has opted the method of valuation as per AS 15(Revised) through actuarial valuation for defined benefit plan of central government pension scheme and the provision for Rs.66,544.40 million as on March 31, 2011 is kept separately in the books under Note 19(b)iii.  Pending final decision of the issue the above liability is subject to modalities to be finalized by DoT and may vary. However, on conservative basis though the liability will not attract clause (b) of section 43B of Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 contingent liability to the extent of Rs.21,836 million is created.
  viii.
Additionally, the Company is also involved in law suits and claims amounting to Rs.8,438 million pending at various authorities in respect of service tax, sales tax, lease disputes and other matters which arise in the ordinary course of the business. Management believes that the Company has a valid defense against these claims and an adverse outcome is not probable. These would not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
  F-38
 Table of Contents
  (f)
Summary of above litigations
  The following table summarizes the potential exposure of the Company of March 31, 2012 with respect to above
  As of March 31,2012


2012(Millions of Rupees)


(Millions of US$ Unaudited)Dispute relating to customer deposits
25(iii)(b)(iv)


5,636



111Dispute relating to disallowance of 80IA deduction
25(iii)(b)(ii)


5,382



106Disputes with BSNL
25(iii)(c)


3,852



76Disputes with DOT
25(iii)(d)


3,142



62Arbitration dispute with M & N Publications
25(iii)(e)(i)


5,415



106Arbitration dispute ith Alcatel
25(iii)(e)(ii)


169



3PRM Services
25(iii)(e)(iii)


482



9CMC Services
25(iii)(e)(iv)


741



15Reliance Infocom
25(iii)(e)(v)


3,921



77M/s Haryana Telecom
25(iii)(e)(vi)


196



4Pension liabilities
25(iii)(e)(vii)


21,836



429Other lawsuits and claims
25(iii)(e)(viii)


8,438



166Total


Rs.
59,210


$
1,163
  26.
SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
  The Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Company has been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) as defined by ASC 280 (formerly SFAS No. 131). The CODM of the Company determines its business segments based on the nature of services, the differing risks and returns and the organizational structure. These segments are basic (including CDMA) and cellular services. Basic services segment consists of voice, data through local calls, domestic long distance and international long distance calls on fixed line services in the cities of Delhi and Mumbai in India. Cellular consists of providing cellular services in cities of Delhi and Mumbai using Global System for Mobile communications, or GSM, technology and  it also includes revenues from Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, based cellular services.. During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Company has started operations in Mauritius. However, as the operations are insignificant as compared to the overall business of the Company, the same have not been considered for separate segment disclosure. During the years ended March 31,  2010, 2011 and 2012, no single customer has contributed for revenue in excess of 10% of total revenue.
  MTNL’s operating segment information for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are as follows. The table gives the amounts reviewed by the CODM reconciled to the consolidated U.S. GAAP financial statements.
  The amounts reviewed by the CODM are based on internal accounting policies of the Company which are different from U.S. GAAP.
  Basic


Cellular


Unallocated (Corporate)


Elimination


Total


Reconciling Adjustments


Consolidated Totals


(Millions of US $) UnauditedMillions of RupeesFor the year ended March 31, 2012Revenue — External customers


26,454



7,279



-



-



33,733



138



33,871



666Revenue — Inter-segment


229



31



-



(260
)


-



0



-



-Total Revenues


26,683



7,310







(260
)


33,733



138



33,871



666Operating income / (loss)


(23,315
)


(6,449
)


(2,961
)


-



(32,725
)


(1,211
)


(33,936
)


(667
)Interest income/ (expense), net


53



39



(8,864
)


-



(8,772
)


(5
)


(8,777
)


(172
)Equity in earnings/(losses) of associated companies, net of taxes


-



-



-



-



-



16



16



0Non Operating income, net


783



251



15



-



1,050



7



1,042



20Net income / (loss)


(22,479
)


(6,158
)


(11,810
)


-



(40,448
)


(1,222
)


(41,670
)


(819
)Segment assets


127,340



78,149



63,583



-



269,071



(29,462
)


239,609



4,708Depreciation and amortization


6,667



5,270



3,026



-



14,962



1,162



16,124



317Capital expenditures for long-lived assets


5,560



1,514



95



-



7,169



0



7,169



141
  F-39
 Table of Contents
  Basic


Cellular


Unallocated (Corporate)


Elimination


Total


Reconciling Adjustments


Consolidated Totals


Millions of US $) UnauditedMillions of RupeesFor the year ended March 31, 2011Revenue — External customers


30,473



6,267



-



-



36,740



39



36,778



723Revenue — Inter-segment


263



184



-



(447
)


-



-



-



-Total Revenues


30,736



6,451



-



(447
)


36,740



39



36,778



723Operating income / (loss)


(18,644
)


(3,840
)


(3,390
)


-



(25,874
)


(2,697
)


(28,570
)


(561
)Interest income/ (expense), net


80



9



(2,693
)


-



(2,604
)


6,799



4,195



82Equity in earnings/(losses) of associated companies, net of taxes


-



-



-



-



-



15



15



0Non Operating income, net


665



(27
)


92



-



729



10



740



15Net income / (loss)


(17,899
)


(3,858
)


(5,991
)


-



(27,748
)


4,113



(23,634
)


(464
)Segment assets


128,181



77,478



72,940



-



278,599



(33,550
)


245,049



4,815Depreciation and amortization


6,375



4,697



3,030



-



14,101



1,104



15,205



299Capital expenditures for long-lived assets


11,495



1,853



(777
)


-



12,571



-



12,571



247For the year ended March 31, 2010Revenue — External customers


29,610



6,951



-



-



36,561



(1,048
)


35,513



797Revenue — Inter-segment


426



107



-



(533
)


-



-



-



-Total Revenues


30,036



7,058



-



(533
)


36,561



(1,048
)


35,513



797Operating income / (loss)


(37,854
)


172



(9,944
)


-



(47,626
)


3,156



(44,471
)


(998
)Interest income/ (expense), net


3,917



11



8,815



-



12,743



(6,341
)


6,402



144Equity in earnings/(losses) of associated companies, net of taxes


-



-



-



5



5



5



11



0Non Operating income, net


525



165



5



-



694



9



704



16Net income / (loss)


(33,412
)


347



(1,124
)


-



(34,189
)


(3,176
)


(37,365
)


(839
)Segment assets


120,087



18,736



204,161



-



342,985



(29,278
)


313,707



7,043Depreciation and amortization


6,308



1,106



10,182



-



17,595



(2,836
)


14,759



331Capital expenditures for long-lived assets


5,095



5,955



897



-



11,947



-



11,947



268
  There are material differences between segment information internally reviewed, by the CODM, and consolidated financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP. The material differences that affect us are primarily attributable to U.S. GAAP requirements for:
  ·
Revenue recognition.
 ·
Employee benefits - Accounting for gratuity and pension obligations; accounting for leave pay obligations and curtailment benefits arising from voluntary retirement scheme under U.S. GAAP.
 ·
Property, plant and equipment - Useful lives of assets, foreign exchange capitalized, interest capitalized and leases, and
 ·
Deferred taxes - Accounting for deferred taxes under U.S. GAAP.
  F-40
 Table of Contents
  More specifically, the reconciling items relate to the following:
  ·
The reconciling items pertaining to revenues amounted to Rs.1,048 million, Rs.39 million and Rs.138 million for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. These reconciling items primarily pertain to non-recognition of revenues under US GAAP (Refer notes 25(iii)(c) and 25(iv)) since the amounts are either disputed or collectibility is not reasonably possible and netting off of commissions from revenues under U.S. GAAP.
 ·
The reconciling items pertaining to operating income/(loss) amounted to Rs.3,156 million, Rs.(3,060) million and Rs (1,211) million for the years ended March 31, 2010, 2011 and 2012. These reconciling items are mainly attributable to U.S. GAAP adjustments for revenues, cost of revenues and selling general and administrative expenses and reclassification of excess liability written back. The cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses have reconciling items on account of accounting for employee benefits, depreciation, provision for doubtful debts and other adjustments on account of BSNL/DOT (Refer notes 4 and 5) under U.S. GAAP.
 ·
The reconciling item in respect of non operating income / (loss) primarily pertain to reclassification of excess liability written back from non operating income / (loss) to operating income / (loss).
 ·
The reconciling adjustments for segment assets pertain primarily to U.S. GAAP adjustments in respect of useful lives of assets, foreign exchange capitalized, interest capitalized and depreciation expense.
 
 27.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
  None
 
 28.
SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
  a)
The telecommunication industry in India is subject to substantial regulation by the Government. The Company is subject to certain risks common to companies within the telecommunications industry in India. These include, but are not limited to, substantial regulation by the Government, changes in the Government policies including a revocation of the license or a change in significant terms of the license, such as its duration, the amount of license fee payable, the range of services permitted and the scope of exclusivity may significantly affect management’s estimates and the Company’s performance. Further the Indian Government is the controlling shareholder in MTNL and hence the Company is deemed to be an Indian government company. As such, the Company is subject to laws and regulations generally applicable to public sector enterprises in India. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, personnel matters, procurement, budgeting and capital expenditures and the generation of funds through the issuance of securities. Also the Indian Government when considering matters pertaining to the Company, often also considers the interests of the largest government-owned telecommunications company, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
  b)
The Company operates the network under a license from the DoT that is valid until March 31, 2013 for fixed-line services and until October, 2017 for cellular services. The DoT retains the right, however, to revoke the license after giving one month's notice to the Company. The DoT also retains the right, after giving notice to the Company, to modify the terms and conditions of the license at any time if in its opinion it is necessary or expedient to do so in the interest of the general public or for the proper operation of the telecommunications sector. A revocation of the license or a change in significant terms of the license, such as its duration, the amount of license fee payable or the range of services permitted, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
  c)
Most of the Company’s employees were on secondment from DoT. The non-executive employees were given the option to be absorbed in the Company with effect from November 1, 1998. Under the option for pensionary benefits, these employees could opt to retain pensionary benefits in accordance with the Central Government pension rules or in accordance with MTNL retirement rules which were applicable to its directly recruited employees, and opt to draw pro rata monthly pension till their absorption in MTNL. Accordingly with effect from November 1, 1998, the Company started accruing for pension and gratuity for these employees.
  Further, rules relating to settlement of pensionary terms in respect of Government employees transferred to public undertakings, required the Company to create a pension fund and provided for the Government to discharge its pensionary liability by paying in lump sum as a one time payment, the pro rata pension and gratuity for the service up to the date of transfer (November 1, 1998) of government servants from the Government to the undertaking. Accordingly, on January 8, 2002, the Company claimed an amount of Rs.11,700 million from DoT as DoT’s share of the liability.
  However the DoT via letter no. 40-29/2002 -Pen (T) on August 29, 2002 and September 4, 2002 has communicated that the pensionary benefits to the Government employees absorbed in MTNL and who have opted for either the Government Scheme of pension or for prorated pension scheme shall be paid by the Government. However, the terms of the settlement are yet to be finalized. In absence of details with regard to the basis required for determination of the amount payable by the Company, no adjustment has been made in the cost of retirement benefits accrued in these financial statements for the above.
  F-41
 Table of Contents
  d)
The Company has been advised by its counsel that although the Company has valid possession including the risks and rewards of ownership and title to all of its property, to enable MTNL to perfect and thereby acquire marketable title to real property in its possession, it would need to have relevant documents relating to transfer or lease of real property duly registered and stamped. Accordingly, MTNL cannot sell its properties without payment of stamp duties and registering the properties in its name. (Also refer to note 8).
  e)
Mobile Number Portability(MNP):- On September 23, 2009, the TRAI issued “Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations (MNP), 2009” which allows subscribers to retain their existing mobile number when they move from one service provider to another service provider on payment of certain charges and on fulfilling certain other conditions.  On August 10, 2010, the DoT permitted the launch of commercial service of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) only to those licensees which are MNP compliant.  On January 11, 2011, MNP services were launched across India, except for Haryana where such services had been launched on November 25, 2010. Management believes that the movement of subscribers from one service provider to another service provider increases competition between the service providers and would act as a catalyst for the service providers to improve their quality of service. This could have a material effect both favorable and adverse on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. As on July 20, 2011, the PORT IN and PORT OUT subscribers for MTNL Delhi and Mumbai are as follows:
  MTNL
PORT OUT
PORT INDelhi
33,922
8,139Mumbai
33,276
3,454
 
 f)    The Finance Ministry of India is considering to introduce the GST(Goods & Service Tax) in India converging the Value added tax and Service tax into single tax regime with effect from April 1, 2012. The proposed rates for GST are 12% , 16% and 20%. The prevalent rate for service tax in India, which is levied for various services including telecommunication service, is 10.30%. The proposed rate for GST is higher by 60% of the existing rate. High GST rate for telecom services in India could adversely impact investments that are critical for growth. Under GST regime, States also to tax service but it requires special consideration on the basis of supply rules viz. inter circle or intra circle calls, inter operator transactions, national long distance, roaming transactions, cross border transactions etc. Introduction of GST may also exclude the Power and petroleum product from its ambit resulting the disallowance of input credits as no taxes/levies paid on procurement on these sectors would be recoverable.
 
 g)    In order to simplify the direct tax provision the Government has issued the draft Direct Tax Code Bill, 2009 and which is intended to come in force with effect from April 1, 2012 onwards. Under the existing provisions of the Act, deduction is available to the telecom operators in respect of capital expenditure incurred for obtaining licence to operate telecommunication services (Section 35ABB). The deduction is allowed equally over the period of the licence. There is no specific provision dealing with deductibility of the 3G spectrum fees in Direct Tax Code. Since the Company had paid huge amount towards 3G spectrum fees, disallowance of such expenditure may lead to a higher tax rate.
 
 (h)  During fiscal year 2011 central government has issued new indirect tax rules relating to service tax which are called Point of Taxation Rules, 2011(POTR). Under Point of Taxation (PoT) Rules 2011 ‘Telecommunication services’ provided by telecom operators to subscribers have been specifically notified to be taxed as ‘continuous supply of services’ i.e. on periodic billing as per the contract (assuming the billing is done within 14 days of decided milestone) or collection, whichever is earlier. Point of Taxation Rules have preponed the liability to deposit Service tax in case of Post paid connection (for landline, mobile phone, broadband connections) from the month of collection to the month of billing. On an average the impact may be of a month. MTNL would liable to pay Service Tax immediately after raising bills. If payments are not received MTNL would have to bear cash loss due to this change. Further loss of interest on the service tax paid for the interim period from payment of service tax till the date of collection.
 
 (i)    2G spectrum re-pricing by telecom regulator
 In February 2011, the TRAI submitted its recommendations on 2G spectrum pricing to the DoT.  It suggested that the telecom companies pay Rs.1,7697.5 million per MHZ for up to 6.2 MHZ and Rs.4,5718.7 million for additional spectrum for Pan-India operations.  The TRAI also recommended that the pay out by telecom companies be calculated on a pro-rata basis of the remaining term of the validity of their respective licenses.  If this recommendation is accepted by the Government, MTNL may incur a financial burden of approximately Rs.8,500 million.