In a strong push to improve service quality, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is working to raise its service uptime to nearly 98-99% in the coming months, Minister of State for Communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
“A minimum benchmark of 95% uptime has been set, with efforts underway to achieve 98-99% uptime across most BSNL services in the coming months,” Pemmasani said. He added that BSNL circles have been given flexibility to address manpower and operational gaps to improve service delivery.
The minister said both operational and financial parameters are being closely monitored. 10 key operational indicators, including cable faults, mean time to repair, and base transceiver station (BTS) uptime, are reviewed regularly. “Manpower-related challenges affecting service uptime in certain BSNL circles are being addressed proactively,” he said. Where disruptions are linked to staff shortages, circles have full operational flexibility to deploy required personnel.
Pemmasani also informed the House that for the first time in BSNL’s history, the Ministry of Communications is conducting structured, circle-wise performance reviews across India. He conducts monthly reviews, while Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia undertakes quarterly assessments.
To strengthen BSNL and make it competitive and viable, the government has approved 3 revival packages amounting to around ₹3.22 lakh crore.
BSNL is executing several government initiatives to improve infrastructure and service quality. These include the 4G Saturation Scheme, Border Out Post (BOP)/Border Intelligence Post (BIP), LWE Phase-I upgradation, and others. The company is also a key implementing agency for BharatNet, India’s largest rural broadband programme aimed at connecting all Gram Panchayats and villages with high-speed internet through fiber, satellite, and wireless technologies.
“BSNL has direct international connectivity with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Italy, Singapore, Belgium, UK, USA, Bhutan, Canada and Hong Kong to strengthen and support international voice communication services,” Pemmasani said.
Separately, Scindia told the Lok Sabha that under the 4G Saturation Scheme, around 30,000 villages have been identified. A target of 21,000 towers has been set, of which 17,000 have been completed. “Under the 4G Saturation Scheme, approximately 30,000 villages have been identified. A target has been set to install 21,000 towers, of which 17,000 have already been completed,” he said. “Digital connectivity is not merely about technology, it is a vehicle for inclusive development that is propelling India towards self-reliance, empowerment and global leadership,” Scindia added.
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