State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has issued an add-on Advance Purchase Order (APO) valued at ₹2,903.22 crore to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for the expansion of its 4G mobile network infrastructure across India. This order marks a significant development in BSNL’s efforts to modernise its telecommunications network and enhance mobile connectivity under the government’s flagship Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
In a regulatory filing, TCS confirmed that the APO includes a comprehensive scope of work, covering the planning, engineering, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, and annual maintenance of 4G mobile network equipment. The equipment is to be deployed across 18,685 sites nationwide, significantly boosting BSNL’s ability to offer competitive 4G services across urban, rural, and remote areas.
This additional order is part of a broader, phased rollout of BSNL’s 4G services, which are being implemented in partnership with a domestic consortium led by TCS. The consortium also includes the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)—the R&D arm of the Department of Telecommunications—and state-run ITI Ltd, which contributes manufacturing and assembly capabilities.
TCS clarified that the issuance of detailed purchase orders for the work will be subject to BSNL fulfilling certain pre-agreed conditions and completing the necessary documentation, as specified in the APO.
BSNL’s nationwide 4G rollout has faced several delays over the years due to technical, regulatory, and procurement challenges. However, with the backing of a fully indigenous technology stack developed by C-DoT and implemented by TCS, the project is now seen as a cornerstone of India’s drive toward telecom self-reliance.
Once operational, the expanded 4G network is expected to improve connectivity in underserved regions, enable better mobile broadband services, and lay the groundwork for a future transition to 5G.
About BSNL
BSNL, a central public sector undertaking under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, is playing a key role in India’s digital transformation. With its headquarters in New Delhi, BSNL is focusing on accelerated 4G expansion, fiber-optic upgrades, and new digital offerings like National WiFi Roaming, BiTV for mobile users, and IFTV for FTTH customers. BSNL was established on October 1, 2000 by the Government of India.
