HFCL has successfully commissioned a major network infrastructure enhancement project for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), valued at about Rs 390 crore. This project commenced in October 2022 and concluded in August 2024 and is one of the world's largest deployments of Broadband Network Gateway (BNG) infrastructure using advanced Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) architecture.
The project involved a comprehensive upgrade of BSNL's nationwide broadband network, with HFCL responsible for the end-to-end execution, including the design, supply, commissioning, and testing of the new CUPS-based architecture.
Additionally, the seamless migration of BSNL's legacy networks to this modern infrastructure was a critical component of the project. The upgraded network is set to enhance BSNL's broadband services, particularly for Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and enterprise applications, significantly improving network efficiency, scalability, and service quality.
This advanced CUPS architecture allows for independent management of Control Plane Functions (CPFs), enabling BSNL to scale its network more effectively while ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity for its customers.
Beyond serving BSNL's extensive user base, this infrastructure will also function as the Internet Gateway for the BharatNet project, supporting over 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats and the upcoming expansion under BharatNet Phase-III.
In a statement, Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director of HFCL said, “This nationwide network enhancement project, covering the length and breadth of India will serve all broadband and enterprise consumers of BSNL for many years to come. The success of this project, marked by significant achievements and technical milestones, reinforces our position as a trusted partner for our customers. It has laid a strong foundation for modernising with new technologies, enhancing network efficiency, scalability, and service quality across the Indian telecommunications landscape.”