A couple of days back, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) confirmed that it will be offering a free 4G SIM upgrade to its customers. The company also confirmed that along with a new 4G SIM, it will be offering 4GB data. Now, in a recent development, the telecom company has confirmed that the BSNL 4G will arrive at 4300 sites in Andhra Pradesh. As per a report from The Hindu, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) chief general manager (Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle) M. Seshachalam said that BSNL has laid focus on making the ‘Swadeshi 4G’ network available for its customers soon.
BSNL To Make Swadeshi 4G Network Available For Customers Soon
Speaking with the media, the executive has confirmed that the central government has given the mandate for establishing the ‘Swadeshi 4G’ network for the telecom company as a part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Furthermore, the executive confirmed that the 4G equipment will be commissioned at 4,300 sites in Andhra Pradesh Circle, which can be also upgraded to 5G.
Seshachalam also said that the central government’s ‘Antyodaya Vision’ would ensure digital inclusivity in the remotest villages. The work for the same is expected to be completed by December 2023. The CGF also confirmed that 3,800 villages in Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle will be covered by setting up 1,536 towers in remote locations.
Furthermore, he also mentioned that because of VRS ( Voluntary Retirement Scheme), the BSNL’s finance has improved. The telco maintained a positive EBITA for the last three years, despite not offering 4G services.
In a piece of related news, at the seventh edition of the annual Mobile India Congress, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) P.K. Purwar also confirmed that the company has plans to complete the rollout of its 4G services by June 2024, and after which the rollout of the 5G services should start. The company is set to roll out its 4G service starting from Punjab later in December. Purwar also confirmed that the company has done the hardening required for a network with 200 sites.
