Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) expects Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to place a follow-on order for further 4G expansion across India. The current order covers 1 lakh sites, with deployment supported by a TCS-led consortium, including the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) and Tejas Networks. While C-DoT provides the network core, Tejas Networks supplies the Radio Access Network (RAN) products, and TCS serves as the system integrator.
Progress on Deployment
NG Subramaniam, TCS advisor for Telecom Strategic Initiative and Chairman of Tejas Networks, told that sites are being handed over to BSNL as they are installed, commissioned, and optimized. So far, over 65,000 sites are live, with the remaining 35,000 expected to be operational by June 2025.
According to Subramaniam, BSNL has the authority under the existing tender to place additional orders with TCS. He emphasized that 1 lakh sites may not be sufficient for a robust 4G experience nationwide, making further expansion likely.
BSNL’s 5G Plans
Regarding BSNL’s 5G rollout, Subramaniam stated that TCS is prepared to upgrade sites once BSNL finalizes the locations and spectrum bands for deployment. TCS has already demonstrated its capability to execute 5G upgrades, with ongoing discussions on the spectrum to be used.
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BSNL’s spectrum holdings include bands in 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2500 MHz, and 3500 MHz. The company is currently deploying 4G in the 700 MHz band, which is expected to provide strong coverage and enhance user experience.
