BSNL issues tender for 10,000 4G sites in Delhi under OpEx deployment model

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reportedly issued a tender to deploy 10,000 new 4G sites in Delhi under a 10-year operational expenditure (OpEx) model, marking a shift from its previous capital expenditure (CapEx) procurement approach. If executed successfully, BSNL plans to extend this model across the country. The tender specifies that bidders must use trusted products approved by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), and requires participation through a consortium led by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or a qualified system integrator with an average turnover of Rs 3 billion over the last three financial years.

Additionally, the tender document reiterates that the bidder or consortium lead must have a minimum average turnover of Rs 3 billion during the past three financial years.

Further, BSNL expects to launch commercial 5G services in Delhi by early 2026, following successful pilots including fixed wireless access trials in Hyderabad.