New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS): Anupam Shrivastava has been appointed the chairman and managing director (CMD) of state-run BSNL from Jan 15, a company statement said here Friday.

Shrivastava has been appointed CMD of BSNL for a period of five years or till the time of superannuation at the age of 60 years, it said.

"Government is focusing on connecting unconnected people with telecom services including high-speed broadband. As BSNL CMD, it will be my top propriety to work with government in connecting people at affordable cost, expeditiously and at turning around BSNL into a profitable venture," Shrivastava said after assuming the office.

"I will take up important pending project of NOFN (National Optical Fibre Network), mobile service in Maoist-hit areas," he added.

Prior to this posting, Shrivastava has served as director (consumer mobility) BSNL. He has also worked as senior general manager at Jodhpur, Ajmer and Jaipur in Rajasthan Telecom Circle.