BSNL to launch 4G across India in August

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) plan to launch 4G services across India in August represents a significant step forward for the state-owned telecom company. BSNL has been operating primarily on 3G and 2G networks for a while. The launch of 4G services signifies a transition to faster and more advanced mobile internet technology. This decision to launch 4G services is a significant development that will not only benefit its subscribers but also contribute to the digital advancement of India as a whole.

Though the telecom is going to launch the services soon, it may be 4-5 years too late. The other telecom players in the country Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea have launched the service about 5 years back. These players now have almost 94% market share.

The 4G networks offer higher data speeds, lower latency, and better overall performance compared to 3G and 2G.

BSNL aims to roll out its 4G services across the entire country, which is a massive undertaking considering India’s vast geographical expanse and diverse population. This nationwide coverage will make high-speed internet access available to people in both urban and rural areas.

With 4G services, BSNL subscribers can expect improved connectivity and better network performance. They will be able to enjoy faster download and upload speeds, seamless video streaming, and smoother online gaming experiences.

The launch of 4G services by BSNL will intensify competition in India’s telecom market, which is already highly competitive. It will give consumers more options to choose from and may lead to better service quality and more competitive pricing from other telecom operators.

This will be a Boost to Digital India Initiative and the launch of totally homegrown 4G technology is in total alignment with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, The expansion of high-speed internet services, such as 4G, is crucial for the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

BSNL IN PAST FEW MONTHS – 

-BSNL’s reported peak speeds on its 4G network using premium spectrum bands while testing was of 40-45 megabits per second (Mbps) with premium spectrum bands of 700MHz and 2,100MHz.

-BSNL’s successful launch of its 4G services in Punjab marks a significant milestone for the state-owned telecom company, It has leveraged technology developed by IT giant TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and a consortium led by the state-run telecom research organization C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics). This collaboration demonstrates the synergy between public and private entities in driving innovation and development in the telecom sector.
As evidenced by the approximately 800,000 subscribers attracted to the service.

A senior government official praised the performance of the 4G core developed by C-DOT within the BSNL network in Punjab. The official mentioned that the technology was installed last July and has stabilized within 10 months.

-The indigenous brand has clinched contracts worth Rs. 19,000 crores from both TCS and the government-owned ITI to expand its 4G network infrastructure. This expansion lays the groundwork for future upgrades to 5G technology.

-BSNL is presently undergoing a phase of transition and expansion, bolstering its infrastructure to meet future demands. Tower installations for 4G services have already been completed in several regions across the country, with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, UP West, and Haryana being the initial focus areas.