The amount will be used for the deployment of around one lakh 4G sites across the country, enhancing the coverage of 4G and ensuring better connectivity for consumers, while contributing to India’s digital connectivity goals.

Feb 20, 2025

In order to speed up the expansion of the 4G network across the country, the Government of India has approved a financial package of INR 6,000 crore for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

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On August 14, 2024, the two state-owned companies entered into a service agreement for a 10-year period for 4G network sharing. Out of the total project cost of around INR 19,000 crore, BSNL has already spent approximately INR 13,000 crore. For the remaining INR 6,000 crore, it approached the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which forwarded the proposal to the Cabinet after due consideration.

As per sources, the decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting earlier this month. However, no official announcement has been made in this regard.

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The amount would be utilized for the deployment of around one lakh 4G sites, enhancing the coverage of 4G across the country and ensuring better connectivity for consumers. The funding would further strengthen the network infrastructure of BSNL and MTNL, enabling them to compete with private players in the telecom sector, while contributing to India’s digital connectivity goals.