Indian state-owned operator MTNL has hired consultancy Pricewaterhouse Coopers to help it improve its business model for the broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum it owns. Dow Jones Newswires quotes one senior MTNL executive as stating: “We can look at a franchisee model or revenue sharing.” The Economic Times quotes chief marketing director Kuldeep Singh as adding that either LTE or WiMAX technology could be used for the spectrum, and MTNL will let the franchisee decide.

MTNL was awarded the BWA spectrum in 2009, around the same time it was also awarded 3G spectrum. The firm operates in Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL has already launched 3G services and had earlier taken a franchise route to sell its 3G services, floating a global expression of interest for its 3G offering. However, according to the Economic Times, the tender is still on hold “due to procedural issues.” MTNL reported a net loss in its most recent financial year and is struggling to keep pace with private operators Vodafone and Bharti Airtel. MTNL may end up merging with rival state-owned operator BSNL.