BSNL Crosses 1 Lakh 4G Sites, Plans 60,000 More Towers Ahead of 5G Rollout
BSNL i driving 4G saturation
By SANJAY SINGH
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia says BSNL plans to add 50,000–60,000 towers after deploying nearly one lakh 4G sites, as the state-run operator seeks subscriber growth and better financial performance.
New Delhi, October 28, 2026 — State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has deployed more than one lakh 4G sites across India and plans to add another 50,000–60,000 towers as it expands its network, strengthens its subscriber base and works towards an eventual transition to 5G.
The expansion comes as private telecom operators are already advancing their 5G networks, leaving BSNL under pressure to catch up in high-speed mobile connectivity. The government has been pushing the state-owned company to accelerate its network rollout, attract more customers and improve its financial performance.
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently said BSNL’s 4G expansion would lay the groundwork for a faster transition to 5G.
“Today, 1 lakh towers of BSNL are on the ground… radiating 4G signal on our own Atmanirbhar stack,” Scindia said at an event. He added that around 98,000 towers had been completed and that the company was looking to expand the network by another 50,000–60,000 towers before moving quickly towards 5G.
The rollout marks a significant step in BSNL’s efforts to regain competitiveness in a market dominated by private operators. The company has reported an improvement in its subscriber base over recent quarters, a trend attributed in part to the expansion of 4G services.
BSNL’s subscriber base increased from 8.55 crore in June 2024 to 9.27 crore, according to figures cited in the company’s recent performance updates.
The operator has also reported progress on the financial front. BSNL recorded a quarterly profit of Rs 262 crore, marking a significant milestone after years of financial challenges. The company has previously reported operating profits and has been working to improve its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).
BSNL is seeking to attract and retain customers through competitive tariffs and promotional offers. These include a SIM card offer priced at Re 1, which also provides service validity, as the operator looks to differentiate itself in an increasingly competitive telecom market.
The next phase of expansion will be critical for BSNL. Wider 4G coverage, improved network reliability and stronger customer acquisition could help the company strengthen its financial position and prepare for 5G services.
However, its ability to compete with private operators will depend on how quickly it can complete the rollout, maintain service quality and convert its expanding network into sustained revenue growth.
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