BSNL to Launch Indigenous 4G Nationwide in August 24

May 7, 2024

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to deploy 4G services nationally starting August 2024, utilizing entirely home-grown technology. This initiative aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy aimed at boosting domestic capability and reducing reliance on foreign technologies.

BSNL has conducted successful pilot tests of its 4G services in the 700 MHz and 2,100 MHz spectrum bands, achieving speeds of 40-45 Mbps. These tests were primarily conducted in Punjab with technology developed by TCS and a consortium led by the government-run telecom research body, C-DoT. As a result, approximately 800,000 subscribers have been added in the region.

Technology and Partnerships

The core technology for BSNL’s 4G, developed by C-DoT, has shown promising performance and stability ahead of schedule. The core network comprises essential hardware, devices, and software facilitating major telecommunications functions such as call control, switching, and charging, among others.

Indian companies such as TCS, Tejas Networks, and ITI have received significant orders from BSNL, valued around ₹19,000 crores, for setting up the 4G network which is also designed to be upgradeable to 5G.

Network Deployment and Expansion Strategy

BSNL’s strategy includes the deployment of over 112,000 towers to support its 4G and future 5G services nationwide. Already, more than 9,000 towers have been installed across various states including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (West), and Haryana. Currently, BSNL is selling 4G capable SIM cards, and existing customers with older SIM cards are required to upgrade to access the new 4G services.

About C-DOT

C-DOT stands for the Centre for Development of Telematics, a government-owned telecommunications technology development centre. It was established in 1984 with the goal of developing state-of-the-art telecommunication technology to meet the needs of the Indian telecommunications network. C-DOT has been instrumental in pioneering rural telecommunication services in India and has developed technologies including digital exchanges, rural automatic exchanges, and next-generation networks. It plays a crucial role in the modernization of Indian telecom infrastructures, such as implementing high-speed broadband solutions and advancing India’s indigenous 4G/5G technologies.

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