STL Networks Bags ₹2,631 Crore BSNL BharatNet Deal for J&K and Ladakh

Sterlite Technologies (STL), through its recently demerged entity STL Networks (formerly Global Services Business), has secured a major telecom infrastructure contract from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in partnership with Dilip Buildcon.

Signed on June 11, 2025, the agreement is part of the BharatNet initiative and covers Package 13, which includes the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Telecom Circles. The project involves the end-to-end design, supply, construction, installation, upgradation, and long-term operation and maintenance of the middle-mile network.

The total contract value is ₹2,631.14 crore, consisting of:

₹1,620.50 crore in capital expenditure (Capex),

₹972.30 crore in operational expenditure (Opex) for the new network,

₹38.33 crore in Opex for the existing network.

The construction phase is scheduled to be completed over three years, followed by a ten-year maintenance period. The maintenance cost is set at 5.5% per annum of Capex for the first five years and 6.5% per annum for the following five years.

Following a National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order dated February 14, 2025, STL’s Global Services Business was demerged to form STL Networks, effective March 31, 2025. The agreement with BSNL will be formally transferred (novated) to STL Networks upon completion of the transition process.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.