Has BSNL Installed 97,068 4G Sites That Are 5G Upgradeable?
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Synopsis
BSNL has made remarkable advancements with the installation of 97,068 4G sites under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ program, aiming for a rapid upgrade to 5G. This initiative is set to enhance connectivity across the nation, showcasing BSNL's commitment to technological progress and improved service quality.
Key Takeaways
- BSNL has installed 97,068 4G sites as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- 93,511 sites are currently operational (as of October 31).
- The equipment is designed to be 5G upgradable.
- BSNL plans to upgrade all 4G towers to 5G within eight months.
- Annual revenue target for FY26 stands at Rs 27,500 crore.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) As part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, BSNL has successfully set up a total of 97,068 4G sites, with 93,511 of them currently 'ON-Air' as of October 31, as reported to the Parliament on Wednesday.
BSNL has issued a purchase order for domestically developed 4G sites for deployment across the country, with the supply of 4G equipment having commenced in September 2023, stated the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, in response to a query in the Lok Sabha.
According to him, the equipment is designed to be 5G upgradable from a technological standpoint. To further improve network infrastructure and service quality, BSNL is implementing various government schemes, including the 4G Saturation Scheme, Border Out Post (BOP)/Border Intelligence Post (BIP), and LWE Phase-I upgrades.
BSNL plans to transition all 4G towers to 5G within a period of eight months.
The state-run telecom company is also systematically replacing outdated or expired batteries on its towers. Additionally, diesel generators are deployed on towers depending on power conditions, high revenue-generating areas, and priority locations. Furthermore, solar power is being utilized as the primary energy source for most of the new 4G BTS locations established under the Digital Bharat Nidhi.
BSNL demonstrated a robust performance in the first half of the current fiscal year (H1 FY26), achieving a revenue of Rs 11,134 crore. The telecom operator maintained a 93 percent revenue run rate relative to Q2 targets, generating nearly Rs 5,347 crore.
The annual revenue target for BSNL in FY26 is set at Rs 27,500 crore, an increase from Rs 25,000 crore in the previous fiscal year, reflecting the organization's improving operational and market performance, as highlighted by the Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
“Execution is the key to success, and our CGMs are the execution experts. You embody the transformation across your circles,” Scindia remarked. He underscored the importance of maintaining a consistent focus on Quality of Service (QoS), labeling it a “non-negotiable mantra” for the organization. In line with BSNL’s diversification objectives, the Minister urged circles to seek out new revenue opportunities.
Point of View
It is evident that BSNL's initiative aligns with the broader vision of enhancing technological capabilities in India. The focus on 5G readiness reflects a commitment to not only meet current demands but also prepare for future advancements. This strategy is crucial as it underscores the importance of quality service and innovation in the telecommunications sector.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of 4G sites installed by BSNL?
BSNL has installed a total of 97,068 4G sites.
How many of these sites are currently operational?
As of October 31, 93,511 sites are 'ON-Air'.
What is the goal for BSNL regarding 5G upgrades?
BSNL aims to upgrade all 4G towers to 5G within eight months.
What initiatives is BSNL implementing for network enhancement?
BSNL is executing several government schemes including the 4G Saturation Scheme and upgrades for Border Out Post and LWE Phase-I.
What is BSNL's revenue target for FY26?
BSNL's annual revenue target for FY26 is Rs 27,500 crore.
