Telecom infrastructure companies Acme Tele Power, GTL Infrastructure, Spanco Telesystems and KEC have emerged as the lowest bidders for BSNL's project to roll out passive cellular infrastructure across the country. The combined value of the project is estimated at over $1 billion. The bids were invited zone-wise.

While the company has received bids from as many as four infrastructure firms for each zone, the contract will be awarded to the two lowest bidders in each zone. This contract is part of a $10 billion GSM project being undertaken by BSNL. The company will shortly open the bids for procuring radio equipment and software and billing solutions.