What's Happening?
India has added 4,112 new 5G base transceiver stations (BTS) in December 2025, bringing the total to 518,854 sites nationwide. This expansion, although slower than the previous month, continues to bolster the country's 5G infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh
and Maharashtra were the leading states in terms of new site additions. State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is planning to roll out 23,000 additional 4G sites, which will later be upgraded to 5G. The company is also considering a revenue-sharing model with private partners for deploying 5G equipment.
Why It's Important?
The continued expansion of 5G infrastructure in India is significant for the global telecommunications industry, as it reflects the growing demand and adoption of advanced mobile networks. This development is likely to enhance connectivity and support the digital transformation of various sectors in India. For U.S. companies and stakeholders, the expansion presents opportunities for collaboration and investment in India's burgeoning telecom market. Additionally, the focus on using indigenous technology for 5G upgrades by BSNL highlights a shift towards self-reliance in critical infrastructure, which could influence global supply chains and technology partnerships.
