Government May Allow Foreign Telecom Equipment Companies in 5G Network Upgrade of BSNL

The scope of 4G network of government telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is being increased rapidly. BSNL plans to launch 5G networks this year. For this network upgrade, foreign companies can also be allowed to bid in the contract of about two billion dollars telecom equipment.

A media Report It has been told that a final decision has not been taken in this regard. The central government has emphasized the use of indigenous technology for BSNL’s 4G network. If foreign telecom equipment companies are included for upgrade on the company’s 5G network, this will be a big change in the government’s stance. BSNL is finding it difficult to compete with private telecom companies due to lack of 5G mobile services. The responsibility of installing the company’s 4G network is with the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led Consortium.

A source, who has been aware of this, said that the government is considering a proposal to reserve half of the volume of tenders of 5G connected tenders related to 5G. Foreign companies can also be allowed to bid for the rest of this tender. The source said that bids can be sought soon for the sites of BSNL’s 5G network. It is being reported that the government has received feedback that the completion of equipment for the company’s 4G network, quality and capability is not the same as telecom equipment of foreign companies like Ericsson and Samsung. Because of this, the government is assessing whether foreign companies should be allowed to participate in the tender for the company’s 5G network.

In the third quarter of the current financial year, BSNL recorded a net profit of about Rs 262 crore. The company has a quarterly profit after about 17 years. In the last few months, the company has launched new services and has also improved its functioning. In the December quarter, BSNL’s mobile services have increased by about 15 percent in revenue.