BSNL 4G Spreads to Rural India

As part of the rural network expansion, BSNL has already deployed 18 new towers and has successfully commissioned to deliver high-speed 4G network coverage.

ByTanay Singh Thakur TelecomTalk

Published on Jun 1, 2026 10:32am IST

Highlights

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run telecom operator in India, has boosted 4G in rural Kerala.
The development is for the Kollam region.
This is the telecom operator's effort for eliminating the network dead zones in the state.

Highlights

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run telecom operator in India, has boosted 4G in rural Kerala.
The development is for the Kollam region.
This is the telecom operator's effort for eliminating the network dead zones in the state.

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Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-run telecom operator in India, has boosted 4G in rural Kerala. The development is for the Kollam region. This is the telecom operator’s effort for eliminating the network dead zones in the state. The target of BSNL are areas or pockets which do not currently have mobile networks. This will push the economic development in the region and communities which were so far excluded from the digital opportunity for growth.

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Key Highlights

BSNL has expanded its rural 4G network in Kerala's Kollam region by deploying and commissioning 18 new mobile towers.
The initiative aims to eliminate network dead zones and bring high-speed mobile connectivity to previously underserved communities.
The newly deployed towers cover several rural locations, including Thenmala Dam, Ashtamudi, Aryankavu, Achencoil ST Colony, and Rosmala.
BSNL's rural expansion efforts are being supported by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly known as the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Through affordable 4G services and indigenous telecom technology, BSNL is targeting long-term subscriber growth and market share recovery.

BSNL has Installed 18 New Towers Already

As part of the rural network expansion, BSNL has already deployed 18 new towers and has successfully commissioned to deliver high-speed 4G network coverage. For Kollam region, the newly installed 4G towers are located in the rural areas including, Cherukara, Kocharippa, Vanchiyodu, Peruvazhikkala, Achencoil ST Colony, Plamoodu-Vellimon, Rajachola, Panayam-Eroor, Eyyakkodu-Kadakkal, Rajakoop-Rosmala, Priya Estate-Aryankavu, Karayalanmerth, Thenmala Dam, Aduthala, Ashtamudi, Kelankavu, Kumbhavurutty and Moonnumukku.

BSNL and Private Telcos to Bridge Digital Divide in India

This widespread development will bridge the digital divide not just in Kerala, but the entire India. BSNL will not be alone in Kerala when it comes to rural network expansion. The private telecom operators are also amping up their efforts to reach rural India. With BSNL expanding now, they will only do it faster to win the market share competition.

Digital Bharat Nidhi Will be Pushing the Boundaries with BSNL

BSNL is getting a lot of support from the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), earlier used to be called Universal Service Obliation Fund (USOF). The fund has been created by the central government to ensure that whenever there are network expansion projects which require monetary support in the rural regions, or to bridge digital divide, the help can be extended.

Kollam is not the only region in Kerala which BSNL targeted for rural network expansion in the recent months. There are other parts of the state as well. Kerala is a priority market for BSNL, and the telecom operator will not want to lose out on the opportunity to bank on long-term users in the rural region which could add to the revenues in the coming year.

BSNL Planning to Win the Long Term Game

BSNL wants to win the long race. The state-run telecom operator has found it hard to succeed without 4G. That is why, it expanded the 4G network access to new regions in the country with the help of indigenous technology which came from companies like Tejas Networks, Tata Consutltancy Services (TCS) and Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT).

In the long run, with affordable 4G services, BSNL wants to win the market share back, that it lost t0 the private telcos.

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FAQs

What has BSNL announced for Kerala's Kollam region?

BSNL has expanded its rural 4G network by deploying 18 new mobile towers across multiple locations in the Kollam region.

Why is BSNL installing new 4G towers in rural Kerala?

The objective is to eliminate network dead zones, improve digital connectivity, and provide growth opportunities to underserved communities.

How many new towers has BSNL commissioned in Kollam?

BSNL has successfully installed and commissioned 18 new 4G towers in the region.

What is supporting BSNL's rural network expansion efforts?

BSNL is receiving support from the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), a government-backed fund created to improve telecom connectivity in underserved areas.

How does this expansion fit into BSNL's long-term strategy?

BSNL aims to strengthen its 4G presence, attract long-term subscribers, bridge the digital divide, and regain market share from private telecom operators.