BSNL network expansion and service initiatives in India

State-owned telecommunications provider BSNL is undertaking a significant expansion of its network infrastructure and service offerings in India.

In Odisha, the company has installed 1,741 new 4G mobile towers under a Digital Bharat Nidhi-funded project, serving 2,487 remote villages, with plans to cover an additional 865 villages by March 2027. In Andhra Pradesh, 1,350 4G towers have been installed to provide services to nearly 2,500 previously unconnected villages. Nationally, BSNL plans a 77,000 crore rupee investment over five years to establish 200,000 new 4G sites and introduce 5G services, aiming for 98 percent nationwide coverage and profitability by the 2028-29 fiscal year.

To mark India’s 80th Independence Day, BSNL introduced several consumer initiatives, including the ‘Re. 1 Freedom 2.0’ promotion and extended validity for its ₹2,399 annual prepaid plan, which now offers 412 days of validity. The company also ordered more than 26,300 additional 4G BTS sites and highlighted improvements to its Selfcare app and satellite phone services.

BSNL has formalised an expanded infrastructure sharing agreement with Vodafone Idea. Following discussions between BSNL Chairman Robert J Ravi and Vodafone Idea CEO Abhijit Kishore, the partnership covers all 22 telecom circles in India. The agreement includes intra-circle and inter-circle roaming, as well as the sharing of mobile towers, optical fiber cables, and transmission equipment. This collaboration aims to optimize resource utilization and reduce capital and operational expenditures, allowing BSNL to leverage Vodafone Idea’s urban network while Vodafone Idea utilizes BSNL’s extensive presence in rural and strategic border areas to compete with market leaders.