BSNL orders 26,238 new 4G sites as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen mobile connectivity across India. The state-owned telecom operator has awarded fresh contracts to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) to deploy additional network infrastructure under Phase IX.2 of its nationwide 4G rollout.
The latest expansion is expected to improve coverage in underserved regions while preparing the network for a seamless transition to 5G. Since the infrastructure has been designed with future compatibility in mind, BSNL will be able to launch 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) services through a software upgrade without making significant additional hardware investments.
TCS and ITI Receive Major Network Contracts
As part of the project, BSNL awarded 13,785 new 4G sites to TCS at a contract value of ₹3,033 crore. ITI secured 5,314 sites worth ₹588 crore for the western region, including Mumbai.
The remaining sites are part of the broader expansion plan approved under the government’s 4G saturation programme.
Project Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total New 4G Sites | 26,238 |
| TCS Allocation | 13,785 Sites |
| ITI Allocation | 5,314 Sites |
| TCS Contract Value | ₹3,033 Crore |
| ITI Contract Value | ₹588 Crore |
| Future Upgrade | 5G NSA via Software Update |
BSNL said the purchase order covers planning, engineering, equipment supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of new 4G sites across the Northeast, South Zone, and Delhi Licensed Service Area (LSA).
5G Upgrade Will Require Only Software Activation
A key feature of the new deployment is that every site is 5G-ready.
Unlike traditional network upgrades that require replacing radio equipment, these newly deployed 4G sites can transition to 5G NSA through a software update. This approach significantly reduces future deployment costs while allowing BSNL to accelerate its 5G rollout when commercial services begin.
The strategy also enables the operator to maximize returns on its current infrastructure investment while ensuring compatibility with next-generation mobile services.
TCS Continues to Lead BSNL’s Network Rollout
The TCS BSNL 4G project remains one of India’s largest indigenous telecom deployments.
TCS serves as the systems integrator for the project and works alongside Tejas Networks, which supplies telecom equipment, and C-DoT, which provides the indigenous core network technology.
The consortium has already completed thousands of 4G site deployments across multiple telecom circles and continues to play a central role in BSNL’s modernization programme.
Before the latest contracts were awarded, TCS and ITI had also submitted the required performance guarantees, demonstrating continued progress on the nationwide rollout.
Expansion to Improve Customer Experience
The additional sites will help BSNL expand coverage in areas where network availability remains limited. Better tower density is expected to improve call quality, increase mobile internet speeds, and provide more reliable indoor coverage.
The rollout is also expected to support subscriber growth by extending 4G services to previously underserved regions under the government’s digital connectivity initiatives.
With thousands of new sites coming online, BSNL aims to strengthen its position in the competitive telecom market while laying the foundation for an efficient nationwide 5G rollout.
BSNL’s order for 26,238 new 4G sites marks another major step in its nationwide network expansion strategy. By partnering with TCS and ITI, the telecom operator is improving 4G coverage while preparing its infrastructure for a cost-effective 5G rollout. As more sites become operational over the coming months, customers across multiple regions are expected to benefit from better connectivity, stronger network performance, and improved mobile broadband services.
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