Indian vendor Tejas Networks has confirmed it's received a purchase order from state-owned telco Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to supply equipment for BSNL's 4G and 5G rollout.
The purchase order is a lucrative one for Tejas, and is valued at Rs 74.92 billion ($899 million).
Confirming the order via a regulatory filing, Tejas reported that, through Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), it has received a master contract for the supply, support, and maintenance of RAN equipment for BSNL’s pan-India 4G/5G network.
Tejas specializes in optical, broadband, and networking products and services, and is now owned by Tata Sons, the parent company of Tata Group.
The deal will see Tejas supply telecom equipment for approximately 100,000 sites, which it expects to execute during 2023 and 2024.
Earlier this year, BSNL ordered $1.83 billion worth of infrastructure equipment and software from IT company TCS, as part of investment in its 4G deployment.
The move to provide Indian companies with infrastructure deals is part of the Indian government's strategy to curb reliance on foreign vendors.
Last summer, the government said it would work to restrict non-Indian telecom vendors from playing a pivotal role in 4G and 5G modernization projects of its state-run operators, BSNL and MTNL.
Founded in 2000, BSNL is the fourth largest mobile operator in India and has a subscriber base of over 107 million.
The telco lost 7.7 million subscribers last year as its 4G launch was delayed, while it announced plans to raise over $500 million for its network rollout by selling 10,000 of its telecom towers.