Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited or BSNL has issued a Purchases Order (PO) for upgradation of 1 lakh 4G sites to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ITI Limited. This is what CNBC Awaaz claimed in a report.

It may be noted that on May 8, several Union Ministers (GoM) jointly approved setting up of 1 Lakh Sites for BSNL’s 4G network rollout by a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS, part of the Tata Group, will supply 4G equipment worth Rs 24,500 crore, including network gear worth around Rs 13,000 crore, for these 1 lakh sites. It is to be noted that apart from the supply of equipment, the new agreement also provides for the maintenance of the sites for 10 years.

Meanwhile, reports said that ITI, along with TCS, has reportedly received an APO of Rs 3,889 crore from BSNL for reservation quota (RQ) orders in the western region. In addition, the company is said to be handling the planning, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning and annual maintenance contract (AMC) of the 4G network for 23,633 sites in the western region. A few days ago, ITI had informed that as per the agreement, they will also build the Radio Access Network (RAN).

Earlier this week, the Union Cabinet approved the third revival package of Rs 89,047 crore for BSNL. Of which 4G/5G spectrum has been allocated through equity infusion. With this spectrum allocation, BSNL will be able to offer pan-India 4G and 5G services. As a result, the company will be able to provide 4G coverage in remote villages apart from urban areas.