Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) becomes the sole bidder for the 4G rollout by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The state-run telco has extended the final bid date from November 16 to November 18, 2022. TCS and BSNL completed the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) required for the 4G rollout in October in Chandigarh. TCS would be the only Indian company that could directly assist BSNL with the 4G roll-out, making it, of course, the only bidder for BSNL’s 4G roll-out project.
A report from ET Telecom said TCS is working on the documents, which is a lot of work, but the offer will be submitted in a day or two. The report also notes that costs have already been negotiated between the two companies. It looks like things are finally getting results after a very long time. BSNL is expected to launch 4G networks in India in early 2023.
TCS had to review the price of network equipment due to the increase in the cost of components and chipsets. This had to happen because there are restrictions in the supply chain around the world. TCS would help BSNL roll out 4G in about 100,000 locations across the country. The bidder would also have to maintain BSNL’s network for approximately 10 years.
The 4G core would be provided by the Telematics Development Center (C-DoT). This core is indigenously developed by the body and would ensure that BSNL’s 4G network is made entirely in India. Tejas Networks network equipment. It is worth noting that last year Tata Group purchased a majority stake in Tejas Networks.
Earlier this year, BSNL had placed an order with TCS for the purchase of equipment for approximately 6,400 sites that would then be deployed in the 2100 MHz and 900 MHz frequency bands.
