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BSNL's Massive 4G Expansion: 1 Lakh Indigenous Sites, 96,000 Live

BSNL is in the process of rolling out one lakh indigenously developed 4G sites across India, with over 96,000 already operational. The government has supported this expansion with three revival packages totaling about Rs 3.22 lakh crore, including capital infusion and spectrum allocation. Spectrum in multiple bands has been administratively assigned to BSNL to provide both 4G and future 5G services nationwide. Furthermore, the amended BharatNet programme aims to extend optical fibre connectivity to all villages and provide 1.5 crore rural broadband connections.

Key Points: BSNL Rolls Out 1 Lakh Indigenous 4G Sites Across India

  • 96,103 4G sites operational
  • Rs 3.22 lakh crore revival packages
  • Spectrum assigned for 4G/5G services
  • BharatNet to boost rural connectivity
2 min read

BSNL rolling out 1 lakh indigenous 4G sites across India; 96,000 already on air

BSNL is rapidly deploying 1 lakh indigenous 4G sites, with over 96,000 already operational, supported by a massive govt revival package.

"The initiative is aimed at strengthening telecom services and expanding high-speed connectivity across the country. - Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar"

New Delhi, March 11

State-run telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited is rapidly expanding its 4G network across the country and is in the process of rolling out one lakh indigenously developed 4G sites, the Parliament was informed on Wednesday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said BSNL has installed 97,906 4G sites across the country so far, of which 96,103 sites are already operational.

"The initiative is aimed at strengthening telecom services and expanding high-speed connectivity across the country," he stated.

The government has taken several steps to make BSNL stronger and more competitive in the telecom sector.

"To support the company, it has approved three revival packages worth about Rs 3.22 lakh crore," Sekhar noted.

These packages include capital infusion, debt restructuring, viability gap funding for rural telephony and the allocation of spectrum for 4G and 5G services.

The government has administratively assigned spectrum to BSNL in several bands, including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2500 MHz and 3300 MHz, at auction-determined prices.

This spectrum will be used by the company to provide both 4G and 5G services across the country.

According to the minister, the revival packages have started showing results, with BSNL reporting operating profits since the financial year 2020-21.

The company has also expanded its telecom infrastructure over the years. Since 2014, BSNL has added 13,748 2G base transceiver stations, 39,722 3G base stations and 1,03,305 4G base stations to strengthen its network.

The government is also focusing on improving connectivity in rural India through the BharatNet programme.

The amended BharatNet programme was approved by the Union Cabinet on August 4, 2023, with an outlay of Rs 1.39 lakh crore to extend optical fibre connectivity to all gram panchayats and villages on a demand basis.

The programme also aims to provide 1.5 crore high-speed FTTH broadband connections in rural areas, with BSNL acting as the project management agency.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great initiative, but execution is key. My experience with BSNL broadband in my hometown is still patchy. Hope this 4G rollout comes with better customer service and network reliability. The BharatNet focus on villages is much needed.
R
Rohit P
3.22 lakh crore is a HUGE amount of taxpayer money. While I support a strong PSU, I hope there is strict accountability. We need to see a clear roadmap for BSNL to become truly self-sufficient and not depend on endless bailout packages.
S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to remote areas for work, reliable connectivity is a game-changer. If BSNL can provide stable 4G in villages, it will boost education, healthcare, and local businesses tremendously. Fingers crossed!
V
Vikram M
Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! 👏 Using indigenous technology for 4G sites is a strategic move for national security too. Less dependency on foreign vendors. Now, please launch affordable 4G plans for students and senior citizens.
K
Karthik V
Good to see operating profits since 2020-21. That's a positive sign. But the real test will be 5G. Spectrum allocation looks comprehensive. Hope BSNL doesn't lag behind private players in the next-gen rollout. The race is on!

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