HFCL wins Rs1,127-cr order for upgrading BSNL’s optical fibre network

Telecom network solutions provider HFCL Ltd has secured orders worth Rs1,127.27 crore from state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) for upgrading its optical fibre network for carrying the telecom operator's traffic on a PAN-India basis.

In an exchange filing on Monday, HFCL said it received an advanced purchase order (APO) worth Rs1,127.27 crore for network upgrade that will deliver the required bandwidth for BSNL to launch its 4G services and make it future-ready for roll-out of 5G services in the coming years.

The scope of work includes design, planning of architecture, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning and system integration of Optical Transport Network equipment across India, according to the filing.

“This landmark agreement is poised to transform the Optical Transport Network (OTN) infrastructure across BSNL’s Pan India network,” HFCL stated in its filing..

HFCL said its comprehensive network upgrade will not only cater to the heightened requirements of enterprise and FTTH/broadband services but will also position BSNL for the future with the seamless launch of 4G services and the anticipated 5G services in the coming years.

HFCL has a strategic partnership with NOKIA Network to deploy state-of-the-art optical technology. This, the company said, will help it deliver “cutting-edge solutions that transcend industry standards and redefine the parameters of technological excellence.”

Under the transformative initiative, HFCL will help enhance BSNL's network through OTN upgrades at over 300 large network nodes and 2,000 amplifier sites. The entire installation process is projected to conclude within 18 month. 

This project includes the entire spectrum of activities, including supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of OTN, so as to fortify BSNL network with an impressive data capacity of 12 terabytes, effectively meeting its data needs for the next decade, HFCL stated.

“The backbone network, spanning 310 aggregation locations, will serve as a pivotal force in empowering 4G, 5G and BharatNet services, positioning BSNL at the forefront of India's digital revolution,” it added.

“Our comprehensive network upgrade will not only address the heightened demands of Enterprise and FTTH/Broadband services but strategically positions BSNL for the seamless launch of 4G services and the anticipation of 5G services. The deployment of state-of-the-art optical technology underscores our dedication to delivering solutions that transcend industry standards,” Mahendra Nahata, managing director at HFCL, stated.

HFCL is a leading technology company specialising in creating digital networks for telcos, enterprises and governments. The company has in-house R&D centres located in Gurugram and Bengaluru along with investments in R&D houses and other R&D collaborators at different locations in India and abroad.