With the growing demand for high-performing, the requirements for high-speed data connectivity has also increased. According to recent reports, Nokia and ZTE, which are two main partners of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), are set to lose fourth-generation or 4G network migration. Reports indicate that the public and private system integrators of India will depend on homegrown vendors as a part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
According to sources, Telecommunications Consultants India (TCIL) and Indian Telephone Industries (ITIL), and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Tech Mahindra, are all eying to bid for the BSNL’s much-awaited 4G gear suppl. Reports also indicate that they are also in ‘advanced discussions’ with multiple domestic stakeholders, including gear makers and innovative startups as consortium partners to build an indigenous next-generation telecom infrastructure.
“We are looking this (BSNL deployment) as a potential opportunity, and will duly submit our proposals as and when the telco comes out with a tender document, and are already in talks with a few local equipment makers to board them for the supply, deployment, and maintenance of BSNL’s 4G network.”
According to sources, BSNL will be deploying 7,000 new 5G-ready sites on TDD while aiming to upgrade 49,300 2G and 3G sites on the FDD platform. BSNL had to scrap the request for proposal (RFP), following stiff opposition from the local telecom firms and suppliers due to alleged restrictive terms. But the businesses are worried about cutting their ties with the likes of ZTE and Nokia and venture with the local vendors as this has never been done before in the country.
“A chance to domestic companies in BSNL’s 4G network should be given. Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) products should get preference; otherwise, the core will still end up being coded and controlled by foreign entities even if the equipment is technically made in India.”
