BSNL calls for Expression of Interest from prospective bidders in spirit of ‘Atam Nirbhar Bharat’ for tentative 57000 4G sites
BSNL has finally called for
the Expression of Interest (EoI) from prospective bidders, who are willing to
participate in its upcoming 4G tender, for all the zones of BSNL plus Delhi and
Mumbai LSA.
In consideration of ‘Atam
Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative of Government of India to promote indigenous manufacturing
in telecom sector, only Indian Companies (either System Integrator or Original Equipment
Manufacturer) irrespective of technical proven-ness of their equipment have
been allowed in EoI. Meaning thereby, the companies not having technical
proven-ness of their equipment as on the date of proposal shall meet this condition
by successful completion of Proof of Concept (PoC). The instructions of
Government of India qua Public Procurement have been made applicable in 4G tendering
process. The bidders having, or likely to have within 2 years, any equity stake
in, or operating partnership (except for government projects) with, any other
cellular operator other than MTNL are debarred.
This EoI gains
importance in wake of BSNL taking-over MTNL’s Mobile Network in Delhi and
Mumbai w.e.f. 01.01.2021.