Public sector telecom player MTNL today said it will soon invite expressions of interest from private players for network deployment of broadband wireless access on a revenue sharing basis.

"The expression of interest for BWA for deploying network on a revenue sharing basis, which was to open last month (June 19) will now be open shortly," MTNL chairman and managing director Kuldip Singh said here today.

MTNL plans to allow one successful bidder each in its licensed area of Delhi and Mumbai for deployment and operation of their WiMax system conforming to IEEE 802.16e standard, on an exclusive, revenue sharing basis.

BWA spectrum enables high-speed Internet access as well as Internet telephony and television services. It can also be used for voice and high-speed data services. Last month the government mopped up over Rs 38,000 crore from BWA spectrum auction.

Internet service provider Infotel had emerged as the only pan-India winner for BWA spectrum by committing Rs 12,872.52 crore which was acquired by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries within hours of closing the auction.

MTNL, which operates in Delhi and Mumbai, had been awarded the 20 Mhz broadband spectrum along with BSNL but have to match the highest bidding price of the private operator in Delhi and Mumbai.

Singh said the company along with BSNL had written to the telecom ministry for reimbursing the spectrum payment, citing their social responsibility, including obligation to provide rural connectivity.

MTNL and BSNL recently paid Rs 11,097.97 crore and Rs 18,500.38 crore, respectively, to the government towards 3G and broadban spectrum licence fees.