Tejas Networks secures Rs 750 cr advance from TCS for BSNL equipment

Punjab is expected to get its 4G networks before any other state in India because it is one of the most lucrative states for BSNL.

Tejas Networks reported in a regulatory filing that it received a Rs 750 crore advance from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for providing 4G/5G equipment to BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited). Tejas will take care of the site maintenance in addition to providing the equipment.

Within the next two years, BSNL will bring out indigenous 4G/5G throughout India. The state-run telco will enlist the aid of Tejas Networks, which will take care of the equipment and its upkeep, and TCS, which will serve as a systems integrator.

According to Tejas Networks, in August, TCS awarded it a contract worth Rs 7492 crore to provide 4G/5G RAN (radio access network) for BSNL's PAN India mobile network. In the coming years, BSNL plans to install 4G/5G at 100,000 sites. 20% of these locations will be launched by ITI, and TCS will launch the remaining sites.

The advance purchase for RAN equipment worth Rs 750 crore received by Tejas Networks indicates that the rollout will shortly begin. The IT and communications minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, had previously stated that BSNL would begin rolling out 300 sites per day after September. Since September has already begun, BSNL should be getting ready for the deployment. In July 2023, the state-run telecom provider deployed 200 locations with its domestic 4G as part of a beta experiment. The state of Punjab hosted the beta trial.

Punjab is expected to get its 4G networks before any other state in India because it is one of the most lucrative states for BSNL. BSNL will roll out 4G/5G gradually, beginning in areas where it generates the most revenue and has the highest user activity. BSNL anticipates a 20% rise in operational revenue following the introduction of 4G.

The state-run telecom business have received back-to-back relief announcements from the government. The Union Cabinet in June this year, approved the third revival package for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). This complete package, which would cost a total of Rs 89,047 crore, intends to revive BSNL and establish it as a dependable telecom service provider with a particular interest and emphasis on enhancing connectivity in rural parts of India.A notable component of the agreement is the transfer of shares to BSNL in exchange for the 4G/5G spectrum.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is also reportedly preparing to introduce 4G services in Tamil Nadu by June 2024 using domestic hardware and software that has been provided by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).