BSNL is nearing a major milestone in its indigenous 4G network rollout, with the state-run telecom operator having installed 98,557 4G sites across India as of July 31, 2026. Of these, 97,213 sites were already on-air, taking the deployment to 98.6% of the one-lakh-site target. The rollout represents one of the largest indigenous telecom infrastructure deployments in India and is a key part of the government’s effort to strengthen BSNL and reduce dependence on foreign telecom technology. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The scale of the deployment is particularly significant because the 4G network uses an indigenously developed technology stack and is designed to be upgradeable to 5G from a technology perspective. BSNL has been deploying the network under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push, while the wider revival programme has provided the company with capital, spectrum and additional support for network expansion. The latest figures show that only 1,443 of the installed sites were yet to go on-air as of July 31, putting BSNL within touching distance of the one-lakh-site target. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
BSNL 4G Rollout Nears 1 Lakh Sites
BSNL has installed 98,557 indigenous 4G sites against a planned deployment of 1 lakh sites across India.
That means the company has completed approximately 98.6% of its planned installations.
Of the installed sites, 97,213 were on-air as of July 31.
The difference between installed and on-air sites was 1,344.
| BSNL 4G Rollout | Latest Figure |
|---|---|
| Planned 4G sites | 1,00,000 |
| Sites installed | 98,557 |
| Sites on-air | 97,213 |
| Installation completion | 98.6% |
| Installed sites not yet on-air | 1,344 |
| Target remaining | 1,443 |
| Technology | Indigenous 4G |
| 5G upgrade capability | Yes |
The figures indicate that BSNL is extremely close to completing the physical installation component of its original one-lakh-site rollout.
98.6% of Installation Target Completed
The latest numbers show how quickly BSNL’s 4G rollout has accelerated.
The company had 97,672 sites installed and 95,511 sites on-air as of January 15, 2026, according to an earlier government response. By February 28, the figures had increased to 97,906 installed and 96,103 on-air. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
By July 31, installations had reached 98,557.
BSNL 4G Rollout Progress
January 15, 2026
97,672 installed
95,511 on-air
↓
February 28, 2026
97,906 installed
96,103 on-air
↓
July 31, 2026
98,557 installed
97,213 on-air
↓
Target
1,00,000 indigenous 4G sites
The progression shows that the network has continued expanding even after crossing the 97,000-site level earlier in the year.
Only 1,443 Sites Remain for the Installation Target
BSNL now needs to install just 1,443 additional sites to reach the government’s one-lakh-site target.
That means only about 1.4% of the planned installation remains.
The more immediate operational task is also to bring the remaining installed sites on-air.
How Close Is BSNL to the Target?
98,557
Installed
↓
1,443
Still required
↓
1,00,000
Target
The milestone is important because the one-lakh-site deployment was originally envisioned as a nationwide transformation of BSNL’s mobile network.
Nearly 99% of Installed Sites Are On-Air
Of the 98,557 installed sites, 97,213 were operational as of July 31.
That means approximately 98.6% of installed sites were already on-air.
Only 1,344 installed sites were awaiting commissioning or activation.
| Installation Status | Sites | Share of Installed |
|---|---|---|
| On-air | 97,213 | ~98.6% |
| Not yet on-air | 1,344 | ~1.4% |
| Total installed | 98,557 | 100% |
This relatively small gap suggests that BSNL’s challenge is increasingly shifting from installing equipment to commissioning the remaining sites and ensuring network quality.
Indigenous Technology Is at the Centre of the Rollout
The BSNL deployment is strategically different from a conventional network expansion because the equipment is based on an indigenous 4G technology stack.
The government has described the deployment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The technology was developed through collaboration involving Indian companies, with the government previously identifying Tata Consultancy Services-led consortium partners in the indigenous 4G programme.
The objective is to create a domestic telecom technology ecosystem capable of supplying large-scale networks.
The Network Is Designed for 5G Upgrades
The government has said the indigenous 4G equipment being deployed by BSNL is 5G-upgradable from a technology perspective. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
This is significant because BSNL’s investment is not intended to become obsolete once 5G becomes more widespread.
Instead, the current network can provide a technological foundation for future upgrades.
BSNL’s Network Roadmap
Indigenous 4G
↓
Nationwide coverage
↓
5G-upgradable infrastructure
↓
Future 5G expansion
This could allow BSNL to reduce the cost and complexity of future network upgrades.
Why the 4G Network Matters for BSNL
BSNL has historically struggled with an older mobile network compared with private operators.
Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea have invested heavily in 4G and, increasingly, 5G networks.
BSNL’s delayed 4G rollout has therefore been a major competitive disadvantage.
The completion of nearly 1 lakh indigenous 4G sites gives the company an opportunity to improve network quality and regain customers.
The government has previously reported that BSNL’s customer base increased from 8.86 crore in March 2024 to 9.28 crore in December 2025. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The Customer Base Has Started Recovering
BSNL’s subscriber growth is an important indicator of whether the network investment is translating into commercial improvement.
The company increased its customer base by approximately 42 lakh between March 2024 and December 2025.
| BSNL Customer Base | Subscribers |
|---|---|
| March 2024 | 8.86 Cr |
| December 2025 | 9.28 Cr |
| Increase | ~42 lakh |
| Growth | ~4.7% |
The network rollout could provide further support if customers experience better coverage, data speeds and reliability.
However, customer growth will ultimately depend on the quality of service and competitive pricing in each market.
BSNL Is Targeting Areas Where Private Operators May Have Less Incentive
The government has said BSNL’s indigenous network is particularly important in areas where private telecom companies may find deployment less commercially attractive.
These include rural, remote and strategically important regions.
Private operators generally prioritize locations where subscriber density and expected revenue can justify network investment.
A government-owned operator can play a broader connectivity role.
BSNL’s Strategic Role
Urban markets
Compete with private operators
+
Rural areas
Expand connectivity
+
Remote regions
Serve low-commercial-viability locations
+
Border areas
Strengthen communication infrastructure
This makes BSNL’s network important not only commercially but also from a national-connectivity perspective.
4G Coverage Is Expanding Across Rural India
The government has been using several programmes to expand mobile connectivity in underserved areas.
These include the 4G Saturation Scheme and projects covering Left Wing Extremism-affected areas and border regions.
In February 2026, the government said approximately 6.31 lakh of India’s nearly 6.4 lakh villages had 4G coverage through private operators and BSNL, with around 10,000 remaining villages being addressed through ongoing projects. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
This means the broader national 4G coverage programme is also approaching near-universal village-level coverage.
BSNL Is Also Involved in BharatNet
BSNL’s role extends beyond mobile networks.
The company is also a key implementing agency for BharatNet, India’s large-scale rural broadband programme.
BharatNet aims to connect Gram Panchayats and villages through high-speed broadband infrastructure.
The amended BharatNet programme has an approved outlay of approximately ₹1.39 lakh crore and includes provisions for 1.5 crore high-speed FTTH broadband connections in rural areas. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
BSNL’s Wider Connectivity Role
4G
Mobile connectivity
5G
Future mobile upgrades
BharatNet
Rural broadband
FTTH
Fixed high-speed connectivity
Border projects
Connectivity in strategically important areas
The combination gives BSNL a much broader role in India’s digital infrastructure than simply operating a mobile network.
Government Has Committed ₹3.22 Lakh Crore to BSNL Revival
The 4G rollout is part of a much larger government effort to revive BSNL and MTNL.
The government has approved three major revival packages worth approximately ₹3.22 lakh crore.
These packages have included capital infusion, debt restructuring, rural telephony support and spectrum allocation.
| BSNL Revival Support | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| 2019 revival package | ₹69,000 Cr |
| 2022 revival package | ₹1.64 lakh Cr |
| 2023 spectrum package | ₹89,000 Cr |
| Total major packages | ~₹3.22 lakh Cr |
| Additional 2025 CAPEX support | ₹6,982 Cr |
The government has said BSNL started earning operating profits from FY21 following the revival measures. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Additional ₹6,982 Crore CAPEX Support
In 2025, the government approved an additional ₹6,982 crore in capital expenditure support for BSNL’s 4G rollout.
The funding was intended to help the company continue deploying the indigenous network across the country. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
The investment highlights the government’s view that BSNL needs substantial financial support to modernize its infrastructure and compete more effectively.
The Bigger Challenge Is Network Quality
Installing nearly 1 lakh sites is a major achievement, but the number of sites alone does not determine the quality of a telecom network.
Customers care about factors such as:
- Download and upload speeds
- Indoor coverage
- Call quality
- Network consistency
- Latency
- VoLTE performance
- Congestion
- Availability in rural and remote locations
BSNL will therefore need to focus on optimization and capacity in addition to completing the rollout.
From Installation to Network Optimization
The next phase could be more operationally focused.
Phase 1
Install equipment
98,557 sites completed
↓
Phase 2
Bring sites on-air
97,213 currently operational
↓
Phase 3
Optimize network
Improve coverage, capacity and reliability
↓
Phase 4
Upgrade toward 5G
Use 5G-upgradable infrastructure
The transition from construction to optimization will determine whether the investment translates into a meaningful improvement in customer experience.
BSNL Faces Strong Private-Sector Competition
The competitive environment remains difficult.
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have extensive 4G networks and have rapidly expanded 5G coverage.
Vodafone Idea is also investing in network expansion and modernization.
BSNL therefore cannot rely solely on lower prices.
It needs a combination of competitive tariffs, broader coverage, reliable service and improving network performance to win customers.
Indigenous 4G Could Reduce Technology Dependence
One of the most important strategic benefits of the project is the development of an Indian telecom technology ecosystem.
Historically, large telecom networks in India have depended significantly on international equipment vendors.
A successful indigenous 4G stack gives India greater control over critical communications infrastructure.
It could also create an opportunity to export telecom technology to other countries.
Strategic Benefits
Technology sovereignty
Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers
Domestic manufacturing
Strengthens Indian telecom supply chains
Security
Greater control over network infrastructure
Export opportunity
Potential to sell Indian telecom technology abroad
5G pathway
Existing technology designed for future upgrades
The long-term value of the project therefore extends beyond BSNL’s own network.
The Rollout Could Change BSNL’s Competitive Position
If BSNL completes the one-lakh-site target and delivers consistent network quality, the company could become a stronger competitor in India’s telecom market.
Its large spectrum holdings, nationwide presence and government backing provide advantages.
The key challenge is converting infrastructure into customer growth and sustainable financial performance.
A larger 4G customer base would improve network utilization and potentially increase revenue, while better infrastructure could reduce maintenance costs associated with older network technologies.
Key Numbers at a Glance
98,557
Indigenous 4G sites installed
97,213
Sites already on-air
98.6%
Installation target completed
1,443
Sites remaining to reach 1 lakh
1,344
Installed sites not yet on-air
1,00,000
Original nationwide target
~₹3.22 lakh Cr
Major government revival packages
₹6,982 Cr
Additional 2025 CAPEX support
9.28 Cr
BSNL customer base in December 2025
6.31 lakh
Indian villages reported covered by 4G in February 2026
₹1.39 lakh Cr
Approved outlay for amended BharatNet programme
1.5 Cr
FTTH connections planned under BharatNet
What the Rollout Means for India’s Telecom Sector
BSNL’s near-completion of the one-lakh-site indigenous 4G deployment is a major milestone for India’s telecom infrastructure strategy.
It demonstrates that India can deploy a domestically developed telecom stack at nationwide scale.
The project also gives BSNL a substantially stronger technological foundation from which to compete with private operators.
For consumers, the ultimate benefit will depend on whether the additional infrastructure translates into better coverage, faster data speeds and more reliable services.
What Comes Next for BSNL
The immediate priority is to complete the remaining installations and bring the outstanding sites on-air.
After that, BSNL will need to optimize the network and increase capacity in areas where traffic is high.
The company will also need to prepare for a broader 5G rollout using the upgradeable infrastructure.
At the same time, it must continue improving customer service, billing systems, digital applications and retail distribution.
Infrastructure alone cannot reverse years of competitive disadvantage.
Looking Ahead
BSNL’s installation of 98,557 indigenous 4G sites and activation of 97,213 of them brings the state-run operator to 98.6% of its one-lakh-site target. The scale of the rollout is significant not only because it expands BSNL’s 4G footprint but also because it is based on an indigenous technology stack that the government says is capable of being upgraded to 5G. The project forms part of a broader government revival effort worth approximately ₹3.22 lakh crore, supplemented by additional capital expenditure support for network expansion. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
The next challenge will be turning the massive infrastructure investment into a better customer experience and a stronger commercial position. Completing the remaining 1,443 installations is only the first step; BSNL will need to bring all sites on-air, optimize coverage and capacity, grow its subscriber base and prepare for 5G upgrades. If the company can successfully combine its new indigenous network with competitive pricing and improved service quality, the rollout could become an important turning point in BSNL’s long-running effort to regain relevance in India’s telecom market.
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