Summary:
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has invited bids to deploy 10,000 4G sites across Delhi under an OpEx (Operational Expenditure) model, marking a strategic shift from traditional CapEx-based rollouts. The pilot project aims to test the viability of the OpEx approach before scaling it nationwide, aligning with BSNL’s goal of launching homegrown 4G and 5G services by early 2026.
BSNL Invites Bids for 10,000 4G Sites in Delhi Under OpEx Model
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom operator, has floated a tender for deploying 10,000 4G sites in Delhi using the OpEx model, where expenses are spread over time instead of upfront capital investment. The move represents a major strategic step toward optimizing financial efficiency and accelerating the rollout of indigenous telecom technology. If successful, BSNL plans to replicate this model across India, transforming how public telecom networks are deployed and managed.
Tender Highlights and Requirements
According to BSNL’s tender document, eligible bidders must have:
- An annual turnover of at least ₹300 crore for the past three years.
- Equipment approved by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to ensure network security compliance.
This approach will allow BSNL to minimize immediate capital costs and rely on performance-based operational contracts, improving scalability and flexibility for its 4G rollout.
Path Toward 5G and Indigenous Technology
BSNL also plans to launch 5G services in Delhi by early 2026, following a successful pilot deployment. Notably, all 4G and 5G sites under this plan will utilize homegrown Indian technology, underscoring the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to promote domestic telecom manufacturing and innovation.
Significance for India’s Telecom Future
The success of BSNL’s Delhi 4G OpEx project could redefine public-sector telecom expansion across India. By focusing on cost efficiency, indigenous innovation, and secure infrastructure, BSNL aims to strengthen digital connectivity and bridge the urban–rural network divide — key pillars of the government’s Digital India mission.
