BSNL's Bold Reboot: A ₹47,000 Crore Boost for 4G & 5G

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has unveiled a ₹47,000 crore capital expenditure plan aimed at upgrading Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) infrastructure, with a strong focus on expanding 4G and 5G capabilities, modernizing switching and transmission systems, strengthening last-mile connectivity, and enhancing nationwide service quality.

As part of its ongoing revival, BSNL has already deployed 1,00,000 mobile towers through a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), along with C-DoT, Tejas Networks, and ITI. In a marathon 12-hour review meeting with BSNL’s 32 Chief General Managers (CGMs), Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the need to improve customer satisfaction and boost average revenue per user (ARPU).

In parallel, BSNL has signed MoUs with global technology leaders including Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia for advanced training in 5G technologies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, networking, and cybersecurity.

After nearly two decades, BSNL has reported a return to profitability in FY25, driven by government-backed investments, strategic partnerships, and aggressive network expansion.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.