According to the Union Minister of Communications and Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is in the final stages of deciding technical specifications for an additional 22,000 4G sites and is considering further expansion of its next-generation network following fresh funding from the Centre. The minister said preparatory work has been completed, though he did not share further details.
BSNL has already rolled out nearly 0.1 million 4G sites in partnership with a TCS-led consortium that includes Tejas Networks and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT). He also said advance work orders for the remaining four packages under BharatNet Phase III are expected to be awarded within the next two weeks. Work has already begun on 12 packages, while eight states have opted for their own implementation models, out of a total 24 packages nationwide.
The minister said that the ministry is closely tracking the saturation of 4G mobile services, which has shown steady progress. Led by BSNL, the programme is upgrading existing 2G and 3G sites to 4G using indigenous technology across 24,680 uncovered villages.
He further said the ministry of Communications has submitted a financial proposal to the Department of Expenditure (DoE) to establish nine telecom testing laboratories across the country.
Furthermore, on future technologies, the minister said India aims to play a major role in shaping 6G standards, with a strong focus on indigenous design and research and development through the Bharat 6G Alliance.
