M. Seshachalam, the Chief General Manager of the Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle, has revealed that the Indian government has entrusted BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) with the responsibility of launching the ‘Swadeshi 4G project,’ as reported by various media outlets. This initiative is aimed at establishing a homegrown 4G network in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) campaign. BSNL provides a wide range of telecom services, including Wireline (Copper and Fiber), GSM, 3G, and 4G, as well as internet services through broadband and FTTH, and enterprise solutions.
BSNL’s Revenue Growth
Remarkably, despite the absence of 4G services, BSNL has declared stable revenues, with a 14 percent growth compared to the previous fiscal year, amounting to total revenues surpassing Rs 19,000 crore. In the specific context of the Andhra Pradesh Circle, the region has generated revenues of Rs 700 crore, marking a 10 percent increase from the preceding fiscal year, as highlighted by the Chief General Manager of the Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle.
BSNL has implemented a series of measures to ensure that its revenues in the Andhra Pradesh Circle exceed the Rs 1,000 crore milestone during the current fiscal year. The Chief General Manager stated that the ‘Swadeshi 4G project’ is expected to be executed within a specified timeframe.
Expansion Initiatives
Furthermore, Seshachalam emphasized the adaptability of 4G devices, affirming their ease of upgrade to 5G technology. Across the Andhra Pradesh Circle, 4G devices are accessible at 4,300 locations, including the deployment of state-of-the-art 4G infrastructure at 463 sites within Visakhapatnam.
BSNL is planning to extend 4G mobile services to remote villages as part of its mission to ensure comprehensive 4G mobile coverage nationwide. The report also suggests that BSNL will soon launch its 4G services in Visakhapatnam.
BSNL’s Wireless Subscriber Base
Meanwhile, according to a report from TRAI, BSNL saw a decline of 6,29,111 wireless subscribers in July, bringing the total subscriber count to 6,928,520 in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Circle. BSNL has been experiencing a consistent decrease in wireless subscribers in the AP circle for several months.
