BSNL plans to add 200,000 4G sites and expand 5G services as part of a ₹770 billion investment plan aimed at strengthening its telecom network.
State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has proposed a capital investment of around ₹770 billion over the next five years to expand its network, strengthen infrastructure and roll out 5G services in high-traffic and strategic locations.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) informed the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology that the plan includes deploying around 200,000 additional 4G sites. The investment will also support network upgrades and an integrated customer-support system.
The proposed spending comes as the government continues its efforts to revive BSNL. DoT has sought an additional capital infusion of ₹215.88 billion for FY2026-27 under the company’s approved revival package.
BSNL spent a record ₹260.22 billion on capital expenditure in FY2024-25, with investments largely directed towards 4G network deployment, power infrastructure modernisation and fibre expansion for BharatNet integration.
According to DoT, the higher capex increased depreciation costs and contributed to wider losses for BSNL in FY2025-26. However, the government expects the expanded infrastructure to support future revenue growth.
BSNL had installed 105,290 indigenous 4G sites by April 2026. The locally developed network has been designed to support an eventual upgrade to 5G.
The telecom operator has also started deploying 5G-as-a-service in Delhi, targeting areas with high network demand.
DoT expects the indigenous 4G rollout to help BSNL increase its subscriber base, improve average revenue per user (ARPU) and strengthen revenue generation.
The proposed investment marks another major step in BSNL’s revival strategy, with the company seeking to build a larger 4G footprint while gradually expanding into 5G services.
