New Delhi (PTI): Concerned over delays in enhancing GSM capacity due to tender controversy last year, state-owned BSNL has placed an order with the existing vendors Nortel and Motorola for adding five million lines in the Southern region.

"We have decided to place the order with the existing vendors for immediate requirement... Meanwhile, we are coming out with a tender for the Southern zone for adding 25 million GSM lines," Kuldeep Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL said.

The value of immediate order for the Southern zone is close to Rs 800 crore and the quantity to be supplied by the two American vendors would be in equal ratio.