BSNL Teams Up With Cable Operators For Expanding Broadband; Will Replace 28,000 2G Cell Sites With 3G, 4G!

State-run BSNL is simply refusing to lie low in the wake of Jio tsunami. Silently, they are forging unique partnerships and enhancing their capabilities to adapt modern technology.

We have already reported how BSNL is in talks to implement 5G in India.

But, will BSNL be able to sustain growth and attract new customers?

BSNL Join Forces With Cable Operators For Broadband

In one of the first such association, BSNL has decided to partner with local cable operators in Telangana state for expanding their broadband connectivity.

Under the new partnership, BSNL will provide infrastructure support to cable operators, which includes cable and maintenance; meanwhile cable operators will their cable television, and BSNL will provide landline, broadband internet and voice calls using the same infrastructure.

Confirming this news, BSNL AP Circle Chief General Manager L Anantharam said, “We have already tied up our broadband services with some of the local cable operators in Warangal district successfully. By May 2017 we will tie up with private cable operators in Karimnagar too,”

This pilot project has been started in Karimnagar district, wherein the NGN (Next Generation Network) exchange of 4,000 lines has already been commissioned, which will replace 3 traditional exchanges.

28,000 2G Cell Sites Would Be Replaced By BSNL

Meanwhile, pushing for greater penetration of 3G and 4G services pan-India, BSNL is replacing their 28,000 2G cell sites with modern 3G and 4G cell sites. This massive mission for enhancing base stations has been commissioned under their phase 8 of expansion in selected regions.

Interestingly, BSNL will choose between Nokia, Ericsson or  ZTE for executing this expansion, which would be completed by 2018. The selection would be via open tender, and by April 1st, the executor would be finalized.

BSNL chairman and managing director Anupam Shrivastava has said that as of now, Nokia has emerged as the lowest bidder, while ZTE is second lowest bidder.

He said, “Evaluation is going in. We expect to finalise the vendor in April,”

As per some reports, Nokia can be allocated West and South Zones, while ZTE can be given North and East zones. We will keep you updated as more details come in..