BSNL Prepares to Launch 200 4G Sites in Punjab

NEW DELHI: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecom operator, is gearing up to introduce 200 initial fourth-generation (4G) network sites in the Punjab region. The launch is scheduled for this Saturday.

According to an informed source, BSNL plans to roll out 200 4G sites in Amritsar, Firozpur, and Pathankot in Punjab. This move follows an extended field trial conducted by a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as part of a proof of concept (PoC).

The Group of Ministers (GoM) approved BSNL's proposal to grant Mumbai-based TCS the rights to deploy, operate, and maintain 1 lakh (100,000) 4G sites across the country. Subsequently, BSNL issued an advance purchase order (APO) worth over Rs 15,000 crore to TCS and the state-owned ITI Limited for the deployment of these 4G sites. ITI will handle 20% of the total site deployment.

According to a senior official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), a large-scale rollout of BSNL's 4G network is expected to commence in October and be completed within 12 months.

Earlier this week, BSNL officials, along with representatives from TCS and radio equipment provider Tejas Networks, met to strategize and discuss rollout timelines.

In April, Union Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that BSNL had already begun deploying 200 towers using an indigenous telecom stack for field trials. He further stated that BSNL's full-fledged 4G rollout was planned for August and that ongoing testing was being conducted with real customers in a physical environment.

BSNL's highly anticipated 4G launch coincides with the efforts of leading private telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, who aim to achieve pan-India 5G coverage within a year.

BSNL anticipates a 20% increase in its revenue with the complete rollout of its 4G services. Additionally, the government has committed to the growth and revival of BSNL, as evidenced by the approval of a mega revival package worth Rs 89,047 crore in June. This package includes the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum through equity infusion. As a result, BSNL's authorized capital will be increased from Rs 1,50,000 crore to Rs 2,10,000 crore, positioning the company as a reliable telecom service provider that offers connectivity even in the remotest parts of India.