BSNL to expand 4G and FTTH in Dharwad-Davangere circle with 123 BTS units, 14,000 new connections
State-owned telecom operator BSNL has announced a major expansion of its 4G network and broadband services in the Dharwad-Davangere circle, with specific targets for the current financial year. The plans were outlined by Senior General Manager Dhananjaykumar Tripathi at a press conference in Hubballi on Saturday.
According to Mr. Tripathi, the company installed 65 new 4G saturation towers in the Hubballi Business Area (BA) during 2025-26. A total of 422 base transceiver stations (BTS) were also installed under Phase 9.2 to enhance data speed and network capacity. These infrastructure additions are part of BSNL’s broader effort to improve mobile connectivity in both urban and rural parts of the region.
For 2026-27, BSNL plans to install 14 additional saturation sites and survey 47 villages for the 4G saturation project. The company also plans to set up 123 new BTS units, including 20 aimed at improving coverage in underserved areas. In line with these network upgrades, BSNL has set a target of 40,000 new gross mobile connections during the year.
The Senior General Manager also highlighted promotional offers for customers. BSNL is currently offering free all-India roaming to mobile subscribers. As part of Independence Day promotions, new customers and those switching through mobile number portability (MNP) can get SIM cards for ₹1 and ₹51 under separate schemes. The ₹1 scheme includes 1 GB data per day, 100 SMS messages and unlimited voice calls for 24 days. The ₹51 scheme offers 2 GB daily data, 100 SMS messages and unlimited calls for 28 days.
Additionally, BSNL has introduced monthly voice and data vouchers priced at ₹107, ₹147 and ₹153. An Independence Day offer on the ₹2,399 plan provides 412 days of validity, unlimited voice calls, 2 GB data per day and 100 SMS messages. These offers are intended to make mobile services more accessible to a wide range of customers.
On the broadband front, Mr. Tripathi said BSNL had 20,844 working Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections at the end of 2025-26, with 5,543 gross connections added during the year. All exchanges in the Hubballi Business Area have been migrated to Next Generation Network (NGN) technology, which enables better service delivery. For 2026-27, the company has set a target of 14,000 new FTTH connections.
To promote broadband adoption, BSNL is giving away free Wi-Fi modems/ONTs to rural and urban broadband customers, with warranty support for two to two-and-a-half years. Installation charges for new FTTH connections have been waived until September 30, 2026. These measures are expected to reduce the initial cost burden for households and small businesses seeking high-speed internet.
Deputy General Managers Rajkumar Asangi and R.S. Kadam briefed reporters on service improvement initiatives. Dedicated teams have been formed to address technical issues immediately. Customers can book connections and register complaints through the toll-free number 1800-4444 or via WhatsApp. Doorstep assistance will also be provided for new landline and broadband connections, Mr. Asangi said.
The Dharwad-Davangere circle covers districts in the northern Karnataka region. The expansion is part of BSNL’s nationwide efforts to upgrade its network and compete with private telecom operators. With the addition of new BTS units and FTTH connections, the company aims to offer more reliable services to its customers in these areas.
