BSNL Management kicks off the process to procure 4G equipments, by surrendering to the dictates of the DoT.

BSNL Management has called for the EoI (Expression of Interest), for the procurement of around 57,000 4G sites. The 14 page document issued yesterday the 1st January, 2021 says that, the eligibility of bidders, will be based on the spirit of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative. It also says, “preference to Make in India” shall be made applicable in the forthcoming 4G tender. 

It is sad to note that, all the conditions stipulated by the DoT, for the denial of level playing ground to BSNL, in the matter of procurement of equipments, have been accepted by the BSNL Management. Most importantly, the document says that, the CORE equipment should be Indian Manufactured. While private operators procure equipments from MNCs, why BSNL should be discriminated? Secondly, the document says that, "System Integrators" can also participate in the tender.  BSNLEU and AUAB have already opposed this, since it will escalate the cost.