BSNL cancels tender for 4G network upgradation & expansion amid call for greater use of Make in India technology

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today cancelled the tender for 4G (fourth generation) network up-gradation and expansion, after the government in the recent past barred state-run telcos from sourcing equipment from Chinese players like Huawei and ZTE.

There are reports that there were complaints by homegrown companies who were demanding a fresh tender involving greater usage of Make in India technology.

BSNL in a notification has said that tender for planning, engineering, supply, installation, testing commissioning and annual maintenance of 4G mobile network in the north, east, west and south zones of BSNL and Delhi and Mumbai Local Service Area (LSA) of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) has been cancelled. The tender was floated in March this year.

The decision comes amidst ongoing India China standoff and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the post-COVID world.

The state-run telecom company in March had invited bids for the up-gradation for 49,300 sites to 4G and the addition of 7,000 new sites in Delhi and Mumbai. The bids were a part of the phase - IX network expansion plan.

The development comes in the backdrop of India's decision to ban 59 Chinese apps, including the likes of TikTok and UC Browser, due to security and data breach concerns.