BSNL is deploying one lakh indigenously developed 4G sites across India, with equipment that is upgradable to 5G. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to enhance connectivity in underserved and rural areas under projects such as the 4G Saturation Scheme, Border Outpost (BOP)/Border Intelligence Post (BIP) coverage, Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, and telecom infrastructure in the Lakshadweep Islands.
Additionally, the Union Cabinet approved the amended BharatNet program on August 4, 2023, to increase high-speed FTTH broadband penetration in rural areas. The program aims to provide 1.5 crore FTTH connections across all states and union territories, with BSNL serving as the Project Management Agency.
This information was shared by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
