BSNL Sets Six-Month Target for 5G Services in Andhra Pradesh

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced that it will launch 5G services in Andhra Pradesh within the next five to six months. M. Seshachalam, Chief General Manager of BSNL's Andhra Pradesh Circle, told a press conference on Friday that the testing trials have produced encouraging results and that the company is confident of meeting the deadline.

Seshachalam said that while the focus is on 5G, BSNL is simultaneously expanding its 4G network and strengthening digital connectivity across the state. This dual approach aims to ensure that even remote areas benefit from improved telecom infrastructure.

To mark Independence Day, BSNL has introduced several special offers for its customers. The Freedom 20 mobile plan provides 1GB of data, 100 SMS, and unlimited voice calls per day for a period of 24 days. For broadband users, the Fiber Freedom plan, priced at ₹1,111 per month, offers speeds up to 200 Mbps, 5,000GB of data, and access to more than 25 over-the-top (OTT) platforms. Additionally, new customers opting for the ₹499 Fiber Basic plan will receive the first calendar month free, along with a ₹100 monthly discount for the following three months.

Providing an update on network infrastructure, Seshachalam stated that BSNL has around one lakh 4G towers nationally, including approximately 6,850 towers and 15,000 base transceiver stations (BTSs) in Andhra Pradesh. As part of the Saturation Project, the company has established 1,359 towers to provide 4G services to 2,641 remote villages in the state, underscoring its commitment to bridging the digital divide.

Financially, BSNL has set a revenue target of ₹1,400 crore for the Andhra Pradesh Circle in the current financial year. Nationally, the state-owned operator earned approximately ₹24,500 crore last year and entered into operational profit. The company has now set an ambitious target of ₹30,000 crore for the current fiscal year.

Beyond 5G and 4G, BSNL is also expanding its satellite phone services, entertainment TV, e-SIM, and enterprise solutions. In a move to empower youth and promote entrepreneurship, the company is creating franchise and partnership opportunities. These initiatives are part of BSNL's broader strategy to enhance its service portfolio and customer base across the country.

BSNL's 5G rollout plans come at a time when the telecom sector in India is highly competitive, with private players already offering 5G in many regions. The state-owned operator's entry into 5G is seen as a crucial step to retain its existing customers and attract new ones, particularly in underserved areas where BSNL has a strong presence. As the rollout progresses, the company aims to provide high-speed connectivity that aligns with the government's digital India vision.