BSNL Expands 4G Network Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

BSNL's 4G Network Expansion

New Delhi, Dec 3: As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has successfully set up 97,068 4G sites, with 93,511 of these currently operational as of October 31, according to information presented in Parliament on Wednesday.

BSNL has initiated a purchase order for domestically developed 4G sites for nationwide deployment, with the supply of 4G equipment commencing in September 2023, as stated by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, during a Lok Sabha session.

"The equipment is designed to be upgradable to 5G technology. To improve network infrastructure and service quality, BSNL is implementing various government schemes, including the 4G Saturation Scheme and upgrades for Border Out Posts (BOP) and Border Intelligence Posts (BIP)," he added.

BSNL plans to transition all 4G towers to 5G within the next eight months.

The telecom provider is also systematically replacing outdated or expired batteries on its towers. Diesel generators are available at towers based on power conditions and revenue priorities, while solar power is being utilized as the primary energy source for many new 4G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) installed under the Digital Bharat Nidhi initiative.

In the first half of the current fiscal year (H1 FY26), BSNL reported a revenue of Rs 11,134 crore, achieving a 93 percent revenue run rate against its Q2 targets, generating nearly Rs 5,347 crore.

For FY26, BSNL has set an annual revenue target of Rs 27,500 crore, an increase from Rs 25,000 crore in the previous year, reflecting the company's improving operational and market performance, according to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia remarked, "Execution is key in all aspects of life, and our Circle General Managers (CGMs) are the driving force behind BSNL's transformation. You are the champions of change in your respective circles." He stressed the importance of maintaining a daily focus on Quality of Service (QoS), which he described as the organization's "non-negotiable mantra." The Minister also urged circles to seek out new revenue opportunities in line with BSNL's diversification objectives.