A consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services is deploying the new network sites on a trial basis. Mumbai-based TCS has won approval from BSNL to deploy and operate one lakh 4G sites nationwide. Cabinet approval was received last month.
TCS and state-owned ITI Ltd were awarded the contract for BSNL’s one lakh 4G sites. The company has received an advance purchase order of over Rs 15,000 crore. Reports are that 20 percent of the total sites will be deployed by ITI. It is hinted that BSNL may deploy 4G network from October. It is expected to be completed within 12 months.
4G in Tamil Nadu from next year
Meanwhile, there are reports that BSNL’s 4G services will start in Tamil Nadu in June 2024. BSNL, which plans to tie up with TCS to create the infrastructure to provide 4G services within 18 months, has started acquiring equipment and software for the same.
After equipment installation, testing and trial, 4G is tipped to be available across Tamil Nadu by June 2024, while Kerala, which contributes a major chunk of BSNL’s revenue, is tipped to get statewide 4G service before this deadline. BSNL uses internally developed software upgrade.
