Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 16: Being India’s one of the largest and leading public sector units, and also has been providing comprehensive range of telecom services nationwide, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reportedly proposed for a Rs 77,000 crore capital investment over the next five years to add 2 lakh new 4G sites, strengthen infrastructure, and prepare for a 5G rollout, aiming for 98% nationwide coverage and operational breakeven by the fiscal year 2028‑29 (FY29).
Media reports on the key details of the BSNL’s plan have stated that, “BSNL’s proposed amount of investment is Rs 77,000 crore over the next five years for deployment of two lakh additional 4G sites nationwide and building on the 1.05 lakh indigenous 4G sites already installed by April 2026. It also plans to roll out 5G in high‑traffic and strategic areas, since 5G‑as‑a‑service already being tested in Delhi.”
Media reports have added that, “BSNL’s target is to achieve 98% nationwide coverage, reach operational breakeven by fiscal year 2028-29 (FY29), and also to have an integrated customer-support system, network optimisation as well as potential infrastructure sharing with Vodafone Idea.”
Media reports have further stated that, “BSNL’s FY2026‑27 capital allocation has risen to Rs 21,588 crore under the approved revival package, while the company’s FY2025 capex was Rs 26,022 crore, the largest in its history, mainly for 4G rollout, power infrastructure modernisation, and BharatNet fibre integration. Despite revenue growth, BSNL remains unprofitable, with losses widening to Rs 4,738 crore in FY26.”
Media reports also further stated that, “Since the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has noted that the capex increases depreciation and losses, but lays the foundation for future revenue growth, the planned expansion aims to close coverage gaps and improve the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), subscriber base, and revenue generation. Partnerships with Vodafone Idea could add revenue streams via tower and fibre sharing. Besides, parliamentary scrutiny is ongoing, with calls for cost control, focus on high‑revenue services, and ensuring accountability for new capex.”
