State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced an ambitious plan to install 1 lakh 4G towers across India by mid-2025. This initiative aims to enhance its network infrastructure and compete with private telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
The expansion is part of BSNL’s broader strategy to improve service quality and regain customer trust after facing challenges such as frequent call drops and network instability. As of now, BSNL’s 4G services are operational in over 75,000 locations, with significant improvements in network reliability and internet speed.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently confirmed that BSNL has successfully deployed over 50,000 indigenous 4G sites nationwide, with plans to upgrade these sites to 5G within a month of the 4G rollout completion. The project is supported by a ₹24,500 crore contract awarded to a Tata Consultancy Services-led consortium, which includes Tejas Networks and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).
The new 4G towers will be strategically installed in major cities and rural areas, ensuring widespread coverage and connectivity. BSNL has also introduced measures such as backup batteries and power plants to maintain uninterrupted services during power outages.
Despite recent subscriber losses, BSNL’s aggressive expansion plan is expected to strengthen its position in the telecom market. The company aims to attract customers with improved services and affordable plans, challenging the dominance of Jio and Airtel.
This initiative underscores BSNL’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and providing reliable connectivity to millions of users across India. With the rollout of 1 lakh 4G towers, the telecom sector is set to witness increased competition and innovation.
