BSNL Plans To Float Tender For Deploying 50,000 4G Sites In India: Reports

Ever since the government announced a relief package for BSNL, the telco is gearing up for the launch of its 4G services in the country. Now, it has been reported that the company will float a tender to roll out 50,000 more 4G sites to provide high-speed data to its customers.

"We expect the 4G spectrum by this year's end. We will float a 50,000 e-nodes capacity tender next month. Our initial goal is to be able to do 50,000 sites from this tender -- 30,000 by upgradation and 10,000, for which we have already placed the order," P.K. Purwar, BSNL Chairman & Managing Director, was quoted by IANS. Adding to that, "In 18 months, 100,000 4G sites should be operational," he added.

Moreover, the telco has invited gear makers like ZTE, Ericsson, Huawei, and Nokia for purchasing the 4G equipment. According to the report, the company will spend Rs. 1,200 crore on buying equipment over the next two years.

Meanwhile, Purwar informed that the company will launch 4G services in phases. In fact, he intimated that the company is not looking to ban Chinese vendors from participating in the 4G auction. "We have to follow the law of the land. As of date, no telecom equipment manufacturer has been barred irrespective of the place of origin," Purwar was quoted by the news agency.

For the unaware, the operator is already offering its 4G services in Kerala. However, the telco has already shut its 3G services in many circles. On one side, all telecom operators are planning to launch 5G services, BSNL is launching its 4G services in India. Notably, the state-run telecom operator will be the last telecom operator in the country to launch 4G services. So, it will be interesting how BSNL will compete with other operators.