
Cabinet Approves ₹6,000 cr Package for BSNL & MTNL 4G Expansion
In a significant move to boost the country’s telecom infrastructure, the Union Cabinet has approved a financial package of ₹6,000 crore to accelerate the 4G network expansion of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). The ambitious project aims to set up around one lakh 4G sites to improve connectivity and provide better network services for consumers.
The approval comes amid intense competition in the Indian telecom market, where private operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea Limited have been aggressively expanding their 4G networks. The move is expected to help BSNL and MTNL narrow the gap and provide a stronger challenge to their private rivals.
According to reports, an additional ₹6,000 crore will be required to fully fund the expansion, which is expected to take several years to complete. The Cabinet’s approval is seen as a shot in the arm for the two state-owned telecom companies, which have been struggling to stay afloat in recent years.
The 4G expansion project is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s telecom landscape. With the increased coverage and capacity, BSNL and MTNL will be able to offer better services to their customers, including faster data speeds and improved voice quality. The project is also expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the regions where the two companies operate.
BSNL and MTNL have been lagging behind their private rivals in terms of 4G coverage and capacity. While private operators have already rolled out 4G services in most parts of the country, BSNL and MTNL have been slower to respond. The Cabinet’s approval is expected to help the two companies catch up and provide a stronger challenge to their private rivals.
The 4G expansion project is also seen as a key component of the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to promote digital literacy and provide digital services to the masses. With the increased coverage and capacity, BSNL and MTNL will be able to provide faster and better internet services, which will be critical for the country’s digital growth.
The Cabinet’s approval has been welcomed by industry experts, who have been calling for greater investment in the country’s telecom infrastructure. “This is a welcome move by the government, which will help BSNL and MTNL catch up with their private rivals,” said a telecom industry expert. “The increased investment will also help create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the regions where the two companies operate.”
In conclusion, the Cabinet’s approval of ₹6,000 crore financial package for BSNL & MTNL 4G expansion is a significant move that will help the two state-owned telecom companies accelerate their 4G network expansion. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s telecom landscape, providing better services to customers and creating employment opportunities.