State-run telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced a major push to expand its 4G connectivity in the National Capital Region, with plans to install 10,000 new 4G towers in Delhi under a 10-year operational expenditure (Opex) model. Unlike the traditional capital expenditure method, the Opex model will allow BSNL to roll out large-scale infrastructure by paying a monthly rental fee for using equipment, significantly reducing the burden of heavy upfront investments. The tender process invites bids from consortiums led by either original equipment manufacturers or qualified system integrators, with the stipulation that all deployed equipment must be certified by the National Security Council Secretariat. The lead bidder or consortium is required to have a minimum average turnover of ₹300 crore over the past three financial years.
Accelerating 4G and 5G Readiness With Indigenous Technology:
BSNL’s ongoing collaboration with Tejas Networks, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) to deploy almost 100,000 4G towers across the country is enhanced by this most recent tender. Notably, the upcoming Delhi towers, which are based on Indian-developed radio access network (RAN) technology and software, are completely prepared for 5G. Over 92,500 BSNL 4G towers, which were introduced in September 2025, use locally developed technology, according to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who recently emphasized this innovation. By prioritizing domestic solutions over equipment from international vendors, the government hopes to close the digital divide and foster a self-sufficient telecom sector. After promising pilot initiatives, including as fixed wireless access testing in Hyderabad, BSNL plans to introduce commercial 5G services in Delhi by early 2026.
Opex Model: Benefits and Business Transformation
The Opex deployment strategy marks a significant transformation for BSNL, reflecting global trends where telcos move away from massive capital expenditure in favor of flexible, pay-as-you-go models. BSNL Chairman A. Robert J. Ravi stated that if the Opex initiative proves successful in Delhi, it will be adopted nationwide to accelerate rollout and control costs. The model also opens opportunities for new entrants and existing players to get involved in India’s fast-growing telecom infrastructure sector. For BSNL, shifting to Opex not only reduces financial risk but also ensures rapid deployment and maintenance of state-of-the-art mobile networks giving Delhi residents more reliable connectivity and preparing the network for seamless 5G upgrades.
Nationwide Impact and India’s 5G Sprint:
With India’s telecom industry rapidly modernizing, BSNL’s capital-light strategy comes at a crucial moment. India has more than 508,000 5G towers as of October 2025, and public sector companies like MTNL and BSNL are crucial to the provision of the latest technologies. According to industry estimates, BSNL’s aggressive 4G and 5G expansion could increase its income by around 12% a year. India is further positioned as a global leader in digital innovation thanks to the government’s Digital Consumer Charter, which aims to ensure the fair and ethical use of AI in telecom. In the end, BSNL’s Delhi rollout supports India’s goal of being one of the top five AI and digital economies in the world by acting as a model for national adoption.
