On 6th June 2023, Bharat
Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched 4G services shortly in the Erode business
area. Customers have been advised to change their BSNL 2G/3G as 4G SIM cards at
the customer service centres & released from General Manager, BSNL, Erode
Business Area, that the area covers Erode revenue district and Kangeyam and
Dharapuram areas in Tiruppur revenue district.
The
concluded said that to avail of the high speed 4G internet, customers need to
ensure that their SIM cards in their handsets are 4G enabled SIM cards. BSNL
customers having 2G or 3G SIM card need to convert their SIM cards to 4G at
free of charge in any of the BSNL customer service centres, franchisee
showrooms and retail outlets. As BSNL is offering the internet service at a
competitive tariff in the market, customers of other service providers can also
avail of BSNL 4G service by porting into BSNL network and getting their SIM
replaced with 4G SIM card.
The
existing 324 towers of the Erode Telecom District are being upgraded from 2G /
3G to 4G and new towers are also planned for uncovered areas. All these towers
will be subsequently upgraded to 5G technology without change in the hardware
of the towers and the SIM cards within the short period.
Furthermore, on 7th June 2023, the Union
Government approved a stimulus package of USD 10.79 billion for BSNL. This
package includes the provision of 4G/5G frequency to the company with capital
investment. BSNL's share capital increased from USD 1,800 million to USD 25,200
million.
This
revival package is expected to help BSNL emerge as "a stable telecom
service provider focused on providing connectivity to remotest parts of India.
BSNL has recently partnered with Tata Consultancy
Services (TCS) to develop a 4G network in India. However, BSNL's 4G push comes
at a time when all its competitors have now launched 5G. BSNL has faced
challenges due to its aging infrastructure and strong competition from
privately owned telecom operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and
Vodafone Idea, all of which offer low-cost 4G services for voice and data. However,
BSNL's latest statement suggests that it is going to be offer 4G and 5G
services across India, extend 4G coverage to rural areas and unserved villages,
provide high-speed Internet access through Fixed Wireless (FWA) and provide
services provide services for Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN).
The details of the package include budget support
for various frequencies such as 700 MHz, 3300 MHz, 26 GHz and 2500 MHz,
totaling USD 5,560.56, USD 3,142, USD 787 and USD 1,131 million respectively.
On 10th October 2022, BSNL released two new
prepaid plans for its customers including STV269 and STV769. These plans are a
great option for mobile users who are looking for round plans like 30 days or
90 days. These plans are also likely to be a good option for heavy data users.
Both plans also have similar benefits. In addition, BSNL launched a 4G network
using homegrown technology in November 2022.