Local carriers had deployed 518,854 5G BTS across India as of the end of 2025, according to data from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
In sum – what to know:
5G growth continues, but at a slower pace – India added 4,112 5G BTS in December, down from November, bringing the national total to nearly 519,000 sites.
Large states drive deployments – Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra led monthly additions, while southern states like Kerala and Karnataka showed strong growth.
BSNL’s upgrade path is taking shape – The operator plans 23,000 new 4G sites, future 5G upgrades, and possible revenue-share models with private partners.
India deployed 4,112 new 5G base transceiver stations (BTS) in December 2025, taking the nationwide total to 518,854, according to data from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
This figure marks a slowdown from November, when 6,010 sites were added. However, overall 5G expansion in the Asian nation continues steadily.
Uttar Pradesh state led the country with 60,168 operational 5G BTS, adding 639 new sites during December. Maharashtra followed with 54,261 BTS after deploying 491 new sites. Other large contributors included Kerala, which added 393 BTS, Karnataka with 368, and Rajasthan with 335.
Looking ahead, state-owned operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) plans to roll out around 23,000 additional 4G sites, which will later be upgraded to 5G. The company is also exploring a revenue-sharing model, allowing private players to deploy 5G equipment on BSNL’s network.
BSNL currently operates close to 97,000 4G sites nationwide. According to the Ministry of Communications, early technical issues linked to indigenous 4G and 5G technology have largely been resolved. However, a follow-on purchase order for additional sites from Tejas Networks is still pending, as BSNL reviews updated contract requirements.
Government officials previously said that the upgrade to 5G technology by BSNL will rely entirely on India’s homegrown telecom stack, developed by C-DOT, Tejas Networks, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Indian carriers already offering 5G include Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio Infocomm and Vodafone Idea.
