BSNL plans massive ₹47,000 crore move to take on rivals; Offering unlimited calls, daily 2GB data at just Rs…

BSNL to invest ₹47,000 crore in 4G expansion, launches ₹1 Freedom Offer with unlimited calls, 2GB daily data for new users till Aug 31.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is making an aggressive push to reclaim market share in India’s competitive telecom sector. The state-run operator is preparing a capital expenditure (capex) plan worth nearly ₹47,000 crore to expand its 4G network, while simultaneously launching an ultra-low-cost Freedom Offer priced at just Re 1.

₹47,000 crore capex to boost 4G and prepare for 5G

To showcase its indigenous 4G network, BSNL has introduced a limited-period Freedom Offer for new customers. (BSNL:)

By Ayushmann Chawla

Ayushmann Chawla is the Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. A seasoned tech journalist with years of experience working for some of the industry’s leading media organizations, his articles can also be read on Live Mint. His passion extends beyond journalism—he’s a dedicated automobile enthusiast, always ready to explore the latest in car technology and design. A self-confessed gadget lover, Ayushmann finds joy in testing new devices and sharing his findings with his audience. Instagram: ayushmannchawla

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In an interaction with ETTelecom, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that BSNL is committed to rapidly scaling its indigenous 4G infrastructure, designed and deployed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. BSNL has already completed its highest-ever capex of ₹25,000 crore in the previous year, and the new ₹47,000 crore investment will help accelerate the rollout of 100,000 4G towers nationwide.

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The minister emphasised that BSNL chose to build its network using domestic technology, placing India among a select group of nations with a fully homegrown telecom stack. The upcoming expansion will improve coverage in rural and remote areas while preparing the foundation for commercial 5G services in the future.

BSNL’s Freedom Offer: Unlimited calls, 2GB data per day for Re 1

To showcase its indigenous 4G network, BSNL has introduced a limited-period Freedom Offer for new customers. Priced at just Re 1, the plan includes unlimited local and STD voice calls, 2GB of 4G data per day (speed reduced to 40kbps after the limit), and 100 SMS messages per day. A new SIM card is also included in the cost.

The offer is valid until 31 August 2025 and is only available through BSNL retailers and Common Service Centres (CSCs). Existing BSNL customers are not eligible, and availability via home delivery services is yet to be confirmed.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A Robert J. Ravi said the offer is intended to give new users a taste of the company’s indigenously built 4G services, competing directly with private operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, whose similar entry-level plans start from ₹349.