Trivandrum: As Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) formally rolls out its indigenously developed 4G network nationwide tomorrow, BSNL Kerala Circle has embarked upon an ambitious project to achieve 100 per cent 4G saturation in the State. With 7,200 4G towers, BSNL currently has 98 per cent 4G coverage across Kerala.
This was announced by Shri R SajiKumar ITS, Chief General Manager – Kerala & Lakshwadeep, while addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram today. This rollout marks a milestone of a multi-year modernisation across mobile access, rural fibre through BharatNet and island connectivity. He also informed about the launch of the e-Sim facility for BSNL moble customers.
Giving details, the CGM further said, “Presently there are 7,200 4G towers in Kerala offering the services in three bands – 700 MHz, 2,100 MHz & 2,500 MHz. This will ensure enhanced coverage on the BSNL 4G network. Under the 4G saturation project, areas with reduced or no mobile network will be identified and towers installed to address this issue. The 3G network will be gradually phased out after the launch of the 4G network. BSNL has shut down 3G services in Kannur and Kozhikode. The Lakshwadeep islands will also have full 4G coverage with the inauguration of 18 new 4G towers along with the existing 19 sites.”
“BSNL Kerala circle presently has about one crore customers across mobile, landline and FTTH segments with an 18% marketshare. There are 85.56 lakhs prepaid mobile subscribers. During the 2024-45 financial year, BSNL Kerala circle made a profit of 182 crores from a revenue of Rs 1,955.65 crores. BSNL Kerala Circle accounts for over 10% of BSNL’s revenue. The total capex investment in Kerala was Rs 1,656 crores in the last fiscal. We plan to achieve a revenue of Rs 2,500 crores in this financial year”, he added.
The 4G network rollout in Kerala is being implemented in collaboration with C-DoT (Centre for Development of Telematics), Tejas Network, and TCS under the Department of Telecommunications. Under the 4G Saturation Project, 318 towers were commissioned in Kerala to extend coverage to areas without 4G access, including tribal and underserved communities.
Anil Philip
Kerala Biz New
