By Lakshadweep, October 30, 2024: After a long wait, high-speed broadband connectivity is finally reaching Lakshadweep with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) installing 18 new indigenously developed 4G towers and upgrading 50 existing towers. This initiative aims to deliver reliable 4G coverage across the islands under the Atmanirbhar Bharat program, supporting the local population with better connectivity for essential services.
Improved Connectivity for Lakshadweep Residents
Despite launching 4G in April 2023, many areas in Lakshadweep lacked sufficient towers, limiting high-speed access. A BSNL official in Agatti explained, “Previously, 4G connectivity operated through 3G-spectrum towers, but these new and upgraded towers now use the 4G-spectrum, providing reliable, high-speed internet.” BSNL plans to establish 100,000 indigenous towers nationwide by March 31, 2025.
Launch of the First Upgraded Tower
The first upgraded 4G tower began operating at Kalpeni on Saturday. This project involves upgrading 50 BSNL towers in Lakshadweep to provide robust 4G connectivity. Zentix Telecommunications Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with TCS, is assisting in this effort. An official from Zentix noted, “Upgrading the towers will allow islanders to access 4G coverage and high-speed data. This is crucial as nearly 80% of residents rely on BSNL, and the lack of 4G has left most unable to fully utilize smartphones.”
Major Investment in 4G Infrastructure
BSNL awarded Tata Group companies TCS and Tejas Networks a contract worth Rs 24,500 crore to develop 4G infrastructure across various regions, including Lakshadweep. This project is part of the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC), which spans 1,868 kilometers of undersea cable linking Kochi with eleven Lakshadweep islands. This new infrastructure will replace the limited satellite connectivity previously used.
Benefits of Enhanced 4G Coverage
Lakshadweep residents can expect faster access to online government services, healthcare, education, and digital banking. While Airtel has set up a few 4G towers on islands like Bangaram, Kavaratti, and Agatti, additional towers are still needed to ensure complete coverage.
