BSNL Announces Nationwide Rollout of 4G Services: Here's What You Need to Know

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India's state-owned telecom operator, is poised to launch its much-anticipated 4G services across the country. This nationwide rollout, scheduled for August 2024, marks a significant milestone for BSNL and aligns with the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) initiative.

BSNL to Leverage Indigenous Technology for 4G Network

A key aspect of this rollout is BSNL's commitment to utilizing entirely indigenous technology for its 4G network. This not only promotes self-reliance but also potentially positions India as a leader in developing homegrown telecom solutions.

During the pilot phase conducted in Punjab, BSNL achieved promising results with peak speeds reaching 40-45 Mbps on the 4G network. This pilot utilized the premium spectrum bands of 700 MHz and 2,100 MHz, known for their wider coverage and better signal penetration.

Early Success in Punjab Paves the Way for Nationwide Rollout

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has already taken a significant step towards its nationwide ambition by launching 4G services in Punjab. This initial rollout leverages technology developed by Indian IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in collaboration with C-DoT, a state-run telecom research organization. The positive response in Punjab, with nearly 800,000 subscribers already onboard, underscores the potential of this indigenous approach.

The success of the Punjab rollout is further emphasized by the performance of the C-DoT core network. This core network, a critical component responsible for functionalities like call routing and subscriber management, exceeded expectations by achieving stability within just 10 months, a feat that typically takes a year for complex technologies.

BSNL Invests in Infrastructure and Nationwide Expansion

To ensure a smooth nationwide rollout, BSNL has awarded contracts worth approximately Rs 19,000 crore to Indian companies like TCS, Tejas Networks, and ITI. These investments will not only facilitate the deployment of the 4G network but also ensure its future-proofing by enabling upgrades to 5G technology when the time comes.

BSNL's commitment to nationwide coverage is evident in its ongoing efforts to set up a total of 112,000 towers across India. While the rollout is scheduled for August 2024, BSNL has already made significant progress with over 9,000 towers installed for 4G services. These towers are currently operational in regions like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, West Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

Upgrading to BSNL 4G Services: A Seamless Transition

It's important to note that BSNL has been offering 4G-compatible SIM cards for several years. Existing BSNL customers with older SIM cards will need to upgrade to a 4G-enabled SIM to enjoy the enhanced network speeds and functionalities.

The nationwide launch of BSNL's 4G services, powered by indigenous technology, is a significant development for India's telecom landscape. This initiative not only promises to improve network connectivity and affordability for millions of users but also showcases India's growing prowess in developing cutting-edge telecom solutions.

Conclusion

BSNL's nationwide rollout of 4G services marks a significant milestone in India's telecom journey, ushering in a new era of connectivity powered by indigenous technology. With robust infrastructure, high-speed connectivity, and a commitment to innovation, BSNL is poised to redefine the telecom landscape and empower millions of users across the country.