Lakshadweep, October 30, 2024: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has launched a major expansion of 4G connectivity in Lakshadweep, installing 18 new 4G towers and upgrading 50 existing ones. This effort, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aims to provide residents with consistent high-speed internet for essential services.
Boosting 4G Coverage Across Lakshadweep
While 4G services were initially introduced in April 2023, many areas had limited access due to insufficient infrastructure. The new and upgraded towers now utilize the 4G spectrum, providing reliable, high-speed internet access across more of the islands. “These 4G towers will enhance connectivity, and BSNL plans to establish 100,000 more nationwide by March 2025,” said a BSNL official in Agatti.
First Tower Upgrade at Kalpeni
The first upgraded 4G tower went live at Kalpeni on Saturday, part of a broader drive to convert 50 existing BSNL towers to 4G across Lakshadweep. Zentix Telecommunications Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with TCS, is leading the upgrade. “This project is critical for Lakshadweep, where nearly 80% of the population depends on BSNL but lacked access to 4G services due to older equipment,” a Zentix official explained.
Part of a Larger Nationwide 4G Development Project
BSNL awarded Tata Group companies TCS and Tejas Networks a Rs 24,500 crore contract to support 4G rollout across various regions, including Lakshadweep. The initiative is part of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) project, which links 11 islands to the Kochi mainland via an 1,868-kilometer undersea cable.
Enhanced Services for Lakshadweep Residents
The expanded 4G network will improve access to vital services, including government programs, healthcare, education, and digital banking. Although Airtel has already installed a few 4G towers in Bangaram, Kavaratti, and Agatti, the additional BSNL towers will further strengthen coverage across Lakshadweep.
