BSNL’s 4G rollout is one of the most important telecom infrastructure projects currently underway in India. While much of the industry’s attention remains focused on 5G services offered by Airtel and Jio, BSNL’s ongoing 4G network expansion could play a bigger role in shaping its long-term future than many realise.
The state-run telecom operator is not just building a 4G network. It is deploying a large-scale indigenous network that has been designed from the ground up to support future 5G upgrades. This distinction matters because it means BSNL’s 4G investment is simultaneously a 5G investment.
The Indigenous Technology Angle
Unlike Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, which built their networks using equipment from global vendors like Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung, BSNL is using technology developed by Indian companies. The core network infrastructure comes from C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), while the radio access network equipment is built by TCS and Tejas Networks.
This indigenous approach has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it reduces dependence on foreign vendors, supports India’s “Make in India” initiative, and gives the government more control over critical telecom infrastructure. On the downside, the technology is still maturing, and BSNL’s rollout has been slower than initially planned.
The Scale of the Rollout
BSNL’s nationwide 4G rollout covers nearly 1 lakh (100,000) sites across India. The project aims to provide 4G coverage in areas where BSNL currently has only 2G or 3G services, particularly in rural and semi-urban parts of the country.
For many Indians in smaller towns and villages, BSNL remains the primary or only reliable telecom option. Private operators tend to prioritise urban areas where the return on infrastructure investment is higher. BSNL’s mandate to serve underserved areas makes its 4G expansion a matter of digital inclusion, not just competition.
Why 4G Matters More Than 5G for BSNL
Airtel and Jio have already launched 5G services across hundreds of cities. Jio’s 5G standalone network covers over 80% of the country’s 5G-capable handsets, and Airtel’s 5G Plus is available in all 28 states and 8 union territories.
BSNL cannot compete with Airtel and Jio on 5G coverage right now. The company’s first priority is to get its 4G network running reliably across the country. Once that is done, the same infrastructure can be upgraded to 5G through software updates and additional hardware at the existing sites. This is the whole point of building a network that is “5G-ready from day one.”
If BSNL tries to jump straight to 5G without a solid 4G foundation, it risks building an incomplete network that lacks the coverage depth needed to compete. The 4G rollout gives BSNL a base of sites, backhaul connections, and core network infrastructure that can be leveraged for 5G when the time comes.
Impact on Competition
If BSNL’s 4G rollout succeeds, it could change the competitive dynamics of Indian telecom. A reliable BSNL 4G network would give rural and semi-urban consumers a third option beyond Airtel and Jio, potentially putting downward pressure on pricing.
For Airtel and Jio, a functioning BSNL 4G network means they can no longer take rural market share for granted. Both companies have invested heavily in expanding their own rural coverage, but BSNL’s presence as a government-backed operator with a nationwide mandate adds a different kind of competitive pressure.
Timeline and Challenges
BSNL’s 4G rollout has faced multiple delays since it was first announced. The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and the complexity of building a network with indigenous technology have all contributed to the slower-than-expected timeline.
The company has been activating sites in phases, and the pace has picked up in recent months. However, reaching the full 1 lakh site target will require sustained execution, which has historically been a challenge for BSNL given its bureaucratic structure and funding constraints.
The success of this rollout will determine not just BSNL’s future as a 4G operator, but also how quickly it can transition to 5G services in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sites is BSNL deploying for its 4G network?
BSNL is deploying nearly 1 lakh (100,000) 4G sites across India as part of its nationwide network expansion programme.
Who is building BSNL’s 4G network?
The network uses indigenous technology developed by C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), TCS, and Tejas Networks. This is part of India’s initiative to reduce dependence on foreign telecom equipment vendors.
Can BSNL’s 4G network be upgraded to 5G?
Yes. The network infrastructure has been designed from the start to support future 5G upgrades through software updates and hardware additions at the existing sites.
Why is BSNL building 4G instead of going straight to 5G?
BSNL needs a solid 4G foundation before it can offer reliable 5G. The 4G rollout establishes sites, backhaul connections, and core network infrastructure that can be leveraged for 5G when BSNL is ready to launch those services.
Which areas will BSNL’s 4G cover?
The rollout focuses on areas where BSNL currently has only 2G or 3G services, particularly rural and semi-urban parts of India where private operators have limited coverage.
