India's BSNL has revealed plans to replace all its 2G base stations nationwide with 3G, and to roll out 4G services in select locations in 2018.
The state-owned operator will install around 28,000 new 3G and 4G capable base stations under its phase-eight expansion, which is expected to be complete by FY18, the Press Trust of Indiareported.
Nokia, Ericsson and ZTE are being considered for the project, according to the report, and the vendor selection is expected to be finalized by April.
Nokia is currently the lowest bidder followed by ZTE. The lowest bidder is expected to secure the contract to supply the west and south areas of India, whereas the second lowest will be given the east and north areas if it agrees to match the rates of the lowest bidder.
BSNL has announced it will use part of its 3G spectrum to roll out 4G services.
The operator has previously announced that its 4G deployment in the city of Visakhapatnam are expected to be ready for service by the end of May this year.