BSNL to roll out 4G service across India by year-end

State-run telecom firm BSNL plans to roll out 4G services across India by the end of this year with an investment of about Rs 250 billion. "We are awaiting spectrum allocation from the government in 2100 MHz band to launch 4G VOLTE service. By the end of this year, we will roll out 4G services across country where we operate," BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava told PTI here. He said that BSNL has already started 4G services in parts of Kerala. BSNL has requested government for 5Mhz slot of 3G or spectrum in 2100 MHz band for deploying 4G services through equity investment route in the company. " The value of spectrum that government will allocate is around Rs 120 billion in which government, as per proposal, will bear the cost of Rs 90 billion.

Total cost of spectrum will come around Rs 190 billion. Balance will be paid by BSNL in 10 annual instalment," Shrivastava said. The company has awarded telecom network contract to Nokia Networks in 10 circles and to ZTE for the rest of 10 circles where it operates. "Total contract is for around Rs 6,000 crore which has been equally distributed among Nokia and ZTE," Shrivastava said.