BSNL's Plan to Enhance 4G/5G, Connect 431 Remote TN Villages

CHENNAI: A total of 431 remote villages in Tamil Nadu, which were previously considered commercially unprofitable, are set to experience improved mobile-internet connectivity soon. This positive development is made possible by the allocation of Rs 433 crore by the Tamil Nadu circle of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., the public telecom giant. BSNL has already conducted a survey and identified 282 locations for new towers, including 24 in forested areas. These efforts will ensure the availability of 4G Services in remote regions like Sathyamangalam forest, Kolli hills, Yercaud, Pachamalai, Kalvarayan hills, Jawadhumalai, Jarugumalai, Mordana dam, Melur slope, Billigundu, Perunchani, and others. "Currently, 44 towers have been erected, and construction is ongoing for towers in other villages," stated BSNL Board director Sandeep Govil during his visit to Chennai. The purpose of the visit was to review the telecom giant's infrastructure development in southern Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Furthermore, BSNL has issued a purchase order to Tata Consultancy Services for the supply and commissioning of a 4G indigenous core and 100,000 4G BTS across India, amounting to Rs 30,620 crore. Starting from December 9, 2023, the company will provide 4G and 5G services. This initiative aims to bring 4G mobile services to 24,680 uncovered villages (equivalent to 16,464 mobile towers) nationwide, with an additional provision for 20 percent of villages (4,936 villages/3,258 towers). The total number of villages to be covered under this scheme is 29,616, with 19,722 mobile towers," explained Sandeep Govil, who also serves as the Director (Consumer Mobility). He emphasized that 5G technology primarily serves as an add-on for advanced applications, as individuals generally do not require more than 80 Mbps speed. However, it becomes highly beneficial for applications with higher demands, extensive data transfer, and various industrial requirements.