Efforts to revitalise the state-owned telecom operator BSNL are beginning to show results, with the government’s massive revival plan helping the company strengthen its network infrastructure, expand rural connectivity and return to operating profitability.
To restore the telecom PSU’s competitiveness in a fast-evolving digital landscape, the Centre had approved three revival packages worth approximately ₹3.22 lakh crore over the past few years.
These measures include capital infusion, debt restructuring, viability gap funding for rural telephony, and the administrative allocation of 4G and 5G spectrum, aimed at transforming BSNL into a more robust and financially sustainable telecom operator.
Spectrum Allocation To Enable 4G and 5G Expansion
As part of the revival strategy, the government has assigned spectrum to BSNL in multiple bands including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2500 MHz and 3300 MHz at auction-determined prices.
The allocation enables the company to deploy next-generation 4G and future 5G services, strengthening its ability to compete with private telecom operators while improving connectivity across urban and rural India.
Return To Operating Profit
The revival initiatives have already begun improving BSNL’s financial performance. According to official data, the company has been earning operating profits since FY 2020-21, marking a significant turnaround after years of financial stress.
The improvement reflects both cost restructuring measures and steady network expansion aimed at improving service quality and subscriber growth.
Massive Network Expansion
BSNL has significantly expanded its telecom infrastructure over the past decade. Since 2014, the company has added 13,748 2G base transceiver stations (BTS), 39,722 3G NodeB sites and 1,03,305 4G eNodeB sites.
The company is currently rolling out one lakh indigenously developed 4G sites across India, a key initiative aimed at strengthening domestic telecom technology capabilities.
As of February 28, 2026, BSNL has installed 97,906 4G sites, of which 96,103 are already operational, marking significant progress toward nationwide deployment.
Driving Rural Digital Connectivity
BSNL is also playing a central role in the government’s flagship rural broadband initiative under the BharatNet Programme.
The Amended BharatNet programme, approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2023 with an outlay of ₹1.39 lakh crore, aims to extend fibre connectivity to all Gram Panchayats and villages across the country on a demand basis.
The initiative also includes a target to provide 1.5 crore high-speed FTTH broadband connections in rural areas, with BSNL acting as the Project Management Agency for the scheme.
Expanding Connectivity In Border And Remote Regions
Beyond rural broadband, the government is also focusing on improving telecom coverage in strategically important border and remote areas.
Schemes such as the 4G Saturation Project and connectivity initiatives for Border Out Posts (BOPs) and Border Intelligence Posts (BIPs) are being implemented to ensure reliable communication infrastructure in these regions.
Strengthening India’s Digital Infrastructure
The revival of BSNL is seen as a critical step in strengthening India’s telecom infrastructure and ensuring affordable connectivity in underserved regions where private telecom operators often have limited presence.
With large-scale 4G deployment, rural broadband expansion and future 5G capabilities, BSNL is gradually repositioning itself as a key enabler of India’s digital inclusion and telecom resilience strategy