In a landmark move under the Government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has successfully deployed more than 50,000 indigenous 4G sites nationwide, significantly advancing India’s digital connectivity goals. This deployment, in collaboration with Indian tech giants like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tejas Networks, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and ITI Ltd., showcases the strength of India’s homegrown technology in fulfilling the country’s connectivity needs.
Poorn Swadeshi
Designed, developed, and implemented entirely by Indian companies, BSNL’s 4G network embodies the concept of “Poorn Swadeshi” (Completely Indigenous) innovation, ushering in a new era for telecom in India. As of October 29, 2024, BSNL has installed over 50,000 sites, of which more than 41,000 are now operational, with nearly 36,747 sites established under the Phase IX.2 of the project and 5,000 sites under the 4G Saturation Project funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi Fund erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
These efforts are bolstering BSNL’s goal to deploy over 1,00,000 4G sites, a testament to its swift pace of expansion. Till July 2024, BSNL has put on air 15,000 sites, and the last three months have witnessed the addition of over 25,000 new 4G sites, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact of Swadeshi technology and BSNL’s commitment to connecting all of India.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Contract
The ongoing deployment is part of a Rs 24,500 crore contract awarded to a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-led consortium to provide 4G equipment for 100,000 new telecom towers in May 2023. The contract also includes network gear worth about Rs 13,000 crore, as well as third-party items and a 10-year annual maintenance contract (AMC). The consortium includes Tata group-backed IT hardware firm Tejas Networks, as well as the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s telecom technology development centre, which developed the 4G core, and ITI Ltd, a central public sector undertaking.
BSNL’s 4G network is upgradable to 5G, and the company has already begun testing 5G services. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that BSNL will roll out its 4G network nationwide by June 2025 by deploying 1 lakh sites, and will convert them to 5G within a month. This ambitious plan aims to provide seamless connectivity across India, even in its most remote regions.
For Latest Tech Updates Please follow us :
facebook, twitter, instagram, telegram, whatsapp
