BSNL Chairman and Managing Director PK Purwar announced at the India Mobile Congress that the company plans to roll out nearly 1.25 lakh 4G mobile sites in 18 months.
According to a top company official on Monday, the publicly traded telecom company BSNL will begin rolling out 4G service in November and gradually upgrade to 5G by August of the following year.
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director PK Purwar told PTI at the India Mobile Congress that the company has plans to roll out nearly 1.25 lakh 4G mobile sites in the next 18 months.
According to Purwar, the first rollout of the anticipated 4G network should occur in November.
To implement locally developed 4G technology in the network, the company is in talks with IT giant TCS and a consortium led by state-run telecom R&D organization C-DOT.
According to Purwar, the company’s 4G network equipment will be upgradeable to 5G through software updates.
Purwar responded that BSNL is on track to deploy 5G by the deadline of August 15, 2023, set by Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, when asked about the company’s plans to roll out 5G services.
“The minister has set forth a clear timeline for BSNL’s entry into the 5G space, which is August 15, 2023. We are making progress in the direction we have been given. We ought to be able to accomplish it (the goal timeline), “said Purwar.
All telecom operators should consider digital inclusion and introduce offline to digital technologies when discussing revenue dynamics.
“In order for everyone to receive good service and for the rollout to be quicker, there should be an investment in the network. Operators won’t be able to invest in the network unless they have sufficient resources. Many people won’t be able to benefit from newer technologies unless investment is made in network technology “said Purwar.
He added that it is important to determine whether India’s low average revenue per user (ARPU) is sustainable.
“Although telecom companies are in a good position to make money from other sources as well, we must also consider the fact that India has the lowest ARPU worldwide. Can we maintain this ARPU level and generate the additional investment? We must strike a balance between these factors “Purwar made a note.
