The state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, popularly known by its short form BSNL, has completed the installation of 97,068 4G sites, which are indigenously developed. Out of which, 93,511 sites are completely operational as of the reports of October 31st. The rollout is an integral part of the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push with the supply of domestic 4G equipment, which commenced in September 2023.
The fully upgradable equipment to 5G
According to Telecomtalk, Pemmasani Chandra Shekhar, the Minister for Communications and Rural Development, spoke in the Lok Sabha, mentioning that the equipment that is deployed can be technologically upgraded to 5G. The company is looking forward to implementing several government-aided initiatives, which include the 4G Saturation Scheme and Border Outpost/Border Intelligence Post Connectivity moves for upgrades, which are under the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) Phase-1 project. These initiatives will contribute to strengthening the network.
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The processes underway
The aim to enhance service reliability can be achieved by replacing the old batteries at the tower sites. This process would need the deployment of the DG sets in high-priority locations and the installation of solar power-backed systems for meeting the requirement of the primary energy at most newly established 4G BTS sites, which will come under the Digital Bharat Nidhi program. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar further added, "BSNL is regularly replacing old/life-expired batteries on towers in a phased manner. DG sets are also available on towers based on power condition/high revenue/priority areas. Further, solar power is made available as the primary source of power for most of the new 4G BTS locations installed under Digital Bharat Nidhi.”
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The Union Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia praised the leadership of BSNL and asked the head of the circles to make it their priority to deliver quality of service as a “non-negotiable mantra” and work for new revenues as the organisation works towards its diversification goals.
