BSNL installs 50,708 4G sites; 41,957 sites on-air: MoS Communications

The supply of equipment for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL's) 4G rollout began in September last year, and by October-end this year 50,708 4G sites have been installed while 41,957 sites are on-air, Parliament was informed on Thursday.

The equipment is 5G upgradable, Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

To a question seeking specific timelines set for BSNL's 4G and 5G rollout across various states and Union Territories, the minister said that in line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the state-owned telecom firm has placed a purchase order for indigenously developed 4G sites for pan India deployment.

"Supply of 4G equipment has started from September 2023, and as on October 31, 2024, a total of 50,708 4G sites have been installed and 41,957 sites are on air. The equipment is 5G upgradable," he said.

To another question on whether BSNL-appointed Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has recommended strategies for the revival of the state-owned telecom corporation, including accelerating the 4G rollout, enhancing service quality, and introducing a generative AI chatbot for consumer support, the minister replied that the interim report has been submitted by BCG to BSNL management.

"Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has submitted an interim report to BSNL management," the minister added.