BSNL to deploy 1 lakh 4G towers across India as part of 4G tower expansion

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-owned telecom operator, is gearing up to install an additional 100,000 4G towers throughout India. This expansion follows the recent successful deployment of its first batch of 100,000 towers earlier this month. The strategic move aims to enhance BSNL's network infrastructure and strengthen its position in the competitive Indian telecom market. Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, shared with The New Indian Express that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is preparing to seek Cabinet approval for this new phase of infrastructure growth. "After the installation of the initial 100,000 towers equipped with advanced 4G technology, we will approach the Cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approval to proceed with another 100,000 towers," he stated. In addition to expanding its network, BSNL is looking to improve its financial health by monetizing its assets, which will aid in funding the deployment of further 4G and upcoming 5G technologies. Addressing earlier concerns regarding performance issues within BSNL’s 4G network, Pemmasani emphasized the use of domestic equipment, which is currently being optimized. He expressed optimism about achieving significant enhancements, with expectations of near-perfect performance by mid-next year. While private telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea rely on global equipment suppliers such as Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, BSNL has chosen to employ indigenous technology. In May 2023, the company awarded a significant contract worth ₹13,000 crore to a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which includes Tejas Networks, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and ITI Ltd. This agreement encompasses the supply and maintenance of equipment for the 100,000 towers, along with a decade-long annual maintenance contract. Simultaneously, BSNL is also on the brink of launching its 5G services and has initiated a unique crowdsourced campaign to name its upcoming offering. The company has reached out to the public via a post on X (formerly Twitter), inviting suggestions with the tagline, "Make history. Name the future of BSNL 5G," urging submissions by June 13th at 5 PM.