Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run Indian telecom operator, has installed 62,201 4G towers across India, as confirmed by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. While these towers have been installed, not all of them may be operational yet. BSNL remains on track to achieve its ambitious target of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers by June 2025, with the current pace suggesting the goal will be met ahead of schedule.
The telco has been leveraging the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to expand 4G connectivity in rural areas. It has also revealed that its 4G core technology is already 5G-ready. BSNL’s network technology is supplied by a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), along with Tejas Networks and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).
BSNL will be back completely on its feet
— DoT India (@DoT_India) December 16, 2024
– Union Telecom Minister @JM_Scindia pic.twitter.com/f0V3ATFczi
At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, BSNL showcased several new services, including Live TV and Direct-to-Device (D2D), highlighting its efforts to modernize its offerings. The company is set to become the first Indian telecom operator to establish a fully indigenous PAN-India 4G network. Beyond the milestone of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers by 2025, BSNL aims to continue expanding its coverage and enhancing the network experience for its customers.
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In line with its rebranding efforts, BSNL recently unveiled a new logo and announced seven new services, many of which were showcased at IMC 2024. To streamline its operations and chart a path to profitability, BSNL has enlisted the help of the US-based Boston Consulting Group (BCG).