News Broadcasting
Internet connections to increase 3- fold: Maran
BANGALORE: Internet connections would increase from 5.45 million in December 2004 to 18 million by 2007. By this time, broadband connection is targeted to touch nine million, according to communications and IT minsiter Dayanidhi Maran.
Inaugurating a mobile manufacturing facility of Elcoteq in the city,Maran claimed that BSNL’s Data-One service had performed above expectations in the market.
“The present demand for BSNL’s broadband Data-One service is in excess of 180,000, far more than envisaged when we launched this. However I’ve been promised that by the end of this month the waiting list will be cleared,” he said.
Speaking on making BSNL cell phone connections available for Cell-One subscribers, Maran said, he had committed to complete the process within six months.
Dwelling on the progress the telecom industry is making, Maran said the target was 250 million landline connections in the next three years. “This will help achieve a tele-density of around 22 per cent. Of the projected new 150 million lines, around 75-80 million connections will be provided by BSNL,” he said.
Regarding the present spectrum policy, Maran said that it would take care of the 3G issues. “It was up to the private operators to roll out their plans relating to 3G . MTNL has already called for tenders for 3G networks. Trai would be consulted on any further issues with spectrum allocation as they would be coming out with a policy on this,” he said.
Maran also informed that Nokia would open their manufacturing facility in Chennai in nine months.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
