Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will enhance Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd's (BSNL) fourth generation (4G) network, which is currently being deployed in the nation, to 5G after the government-operated telecom provider pinpoints locations and a frequency spectrum, a senior official from the Tata group firm stated.

"When BSNL chooses the specific sites and bands where they want to offer 5G, we will carry out the upgrades," NG Subramaniam, TCS’ advisor for telecom strategic initiatives, told sources.

The radio equipment installed by TCS in the BSNL network can be upgraded to 5G through a software update. The core, developed by the Centre of Development of Telematics (C-DoT), currently provides support for 5G non-standalone (NSA). Currently, BSNL possesses spectrum in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,500 MHz, and 3,500 MHz frequency ranges.

A consortium led by TCS, featuring C-DoT and Tata group company Tejas Networks, is establishing a nationwide 4G network for BSNL with 100,000 locations. The telecom company has currently activated 65,000 sites. Tata Sons owns a 54% ownership in Tejas Networks, a manufacturer of telecom equipment.

"We are handing over sites to BSNL as and when the installation, commissioning and optimisation are complete, and this process will continue till the network rollout is completed in the next few months," said Subramaniam, who is also the chairman of Tejas Networks.

TCS is anticipating an additional order from BSNL based on experts discussing the necessity for a strong 4G network to ensure uninterrupted services.