New Delhi, March 18 :    New Delhi, March 18:  The communications ministry has decided to pit Mahangar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), the best company under its fold, against private cellular operators in Delhi and Mumbai. MTNL has been preferred over Bharat Sanchar Nigam because the government feels it is in the best position to give private cellular service providers a run for their money. A note sent by DoT secretary Shyamal Ghosh to communications minister Ram Vilas Paswan and his deputy, Tapan Sikdar, says MTNL should be offered service areas now under BSNL. 'If MTNL is to compete with private cellular operators, on a level-playing field, they should operate in the same service area. It appears that its present licence does not cover the entire area under private cellular operators in the Delhi circle,' the note states DoT secretary Shyamal Ghosh concedes that MTNL's service area in Mumbai and Delhi can brought on par with cellular operators only at the expense of Bharat Sanchar Nigam, which will oppose any move that undermines its turf. 'The chairman and managing director BSNL made a presentation, requesting the government not to change MTNL's service area. However, the decision has been prompted by MTNL's need for a level-playing field,' says a note sent by a DoT director (value-added services) to the Telecom Commission. Private basic fixed telecom operators, who have been allowed to offer limited mobility within their circles, will also be against the move. Their circles even include metros such as Mumbai. Ghosh argues that BSNL already operates across the country, except those covered by MTNL. Therefore, it will be in fairness of things if MTNL - which offers services in Delhi and Mumbai - has a service area similar to cellular licencees in two cities. 'At best, there could be some mutual arrangements between MTNL and BSNL for use of facilities in the areas proposed to be added to MTNL's cellular services in Mumbai and Delhi,' he added. Under the scheme, local areas served by BSNL like New Mumbai and Kalyan Telephone Exchanges will form part of the Mumbai metro cellular service area. Similarly, local areas served by BSNL like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida and Gurgaon Telephone exchanges will form part of Delhi metro cellular service area.