In a major challenge to private telecom giants, including Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio — India’s largest telecom provider — Sunil Mittal’s Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi), state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is rapidly expanding its 4G network across the country in order to strengthen its services and compete with private players.
BSNL had set a target of installing over 30,000 4G towers by August 2024, out of which it has has installed 15,000 so far, and is working at a frantic pace to complete the target installations in the next couple of months, according to reports. As per BSNL officials, the state-owned telco is planning to install more than 20,000 new 4G towers by the end of 2025, to ensure its 4G coverage is available in every corner of the country.
Reports quoting BSNL officials said that BSNL plans to expand its 4G services in urban as well as rural areas, simultaneously, to achieve total coverage by the end of the current year. BSNL will soon begin a fresh phase of installing 4G-capable towers in all major cities as well as villages across the country, they said.
The proposed expansion will provide better network connectivity and better internet speed to BSNL subscribers, officials said, adding that the government-owned telco recently launched 4G services in 15 cities across India.
BSNL is also planning to roll out its 5G network in select cities by the end of 2025.
In a recent statement, the state-owned telecom provider said work on its 5G network is advancing at a rapid pace and trial phases are nearly complete, adding that its 5G rollout is focused on self-reliance, embodying the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
BSNL stated that most of its 4G sites across the country are ready for operational use and all of them will be activated soon, providing users with improved connectivity and faster internet access. BSNL has hired the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for the strategic rollout of its nationwide 4G network.
The BCG has shared interim reports with BSNL top management as the provider prepares for a wider rollout of its 4G services and the future rollout of 5G. Additionally, BSNL is also developing an AI-powered chatbot to enhance its customer support, officials said.
Notably, BSNL, which has witnessed a resurgence of late, reached another milestone recently, adding over 65 lakh new subscribers to its expanding network in the last two months. With its competitive pricing, BSNL is now posing a stiff challenge to industry leaders such as Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio and Sunil Mittal’s Airtel.
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