BSNL Initiates Installation of 20,000 4G Towers in Remote Border States: Latest Update

In a recent update reported by Livemint, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), the government-owned telecom operator, has started installing 20,000 4G towers in the border states of India. This initiative aims to improve mobile and data connectivity for people living in these remote areas. It is part of the government's ambitious plan to ensure widespread availability of 4G Services

The plan to achieve 4G saturation is aimed at ensuring comprehensive connectivity in remote regions, according to an official familiar with the project. The objective is to extend coverage to approximately 25,000 villages that currently have no connectivity at all. BSNL has already begun the work on this project, as confirmed by the official.

The project, which was approved by the Union cabinet in July of last year, entered its implementation phase in February 2023. The government has allocated Rs 26,316 crore from the Universal Service Obligation Fund to finance this massive undertaking. The project is expected to be completed within 500 days.

Another official mentioned that the government's goal is to provide 4G services across the entire country. While some of the areas requiring coverage are located in border states, others are in regions with difficult terrain. Therefore, a few of the towers may be installed outside the border states but will still contribute to the overall 4G saturation plan.

BSNL's initiative to install these towers aligns with the company's own launch of 4G services, which utilize technology developed by India's Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT). BSNL has already established 200 4G sites in Punjab as part of the pilot phase and is set to begin commercial operations this month.

To meet the infrastructure requirements, BSNL recently placed an advance purchase order worth over Rs 15,000 crore with Tata Consultancy Services and ITI Ltd.

The second official also stated that the project aims to cover 24,680 villages that currently have no connectivity at all. This will require the installation of 16,464 towers, which will be managed and maintained by BSNL. Additionally, provisions have been made for approximately 5,000 additional villages, which will need an extra 3,258 towers. This brings the total number of towers to over 19,700, extending connectivity to more than 29,000 villages.

Impact and Future Plans

Out of the estimated 640,000 villages in India, around 575,000 already have limited mobile telephony and data connectivity, mostly limited to 2G or 3G services. The 4G saturation plan aims to bridge this digital divide by ensuring that all villages in the country have access to 4G services by 2024.

While private telecom service providers like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea currently serve over 1 billion people, BSNL plays a crucial role in meeting the communication needs of the country, especially in remote and challenging terrain where private operators have limited reach. BSNL's services cater to more than 100 million individuals residing in such regions.

With the implementation of this significant project, BSNL and the government are set to significantly improve connectivity in border states and underserved areas. This development will help bridge the digital divide, allowing residents to access 4G services and facilitating effective communication.