BSNL, the state-run telecom operator, is expected to start 4G services by March 2023. Earlier, the company plans to bring services by January 2023; however, now, it seems that the operator might take more time to offer services in all circles. Besides, the telecom operator is likely to start 4G services in metros first, then bring the services to other circles. In addition, BSNL plans to launch 5G services in August 2023, which might get delayed as there is no fixed update on the 4G launch.
The telecom operator is installing 1.12 lakh towers in the country, which means it will start offering 4G services by next year, a DoT official was quoted by The New Indian Express. It is worth noting that the telecom operator is facing issues ever since it is trying to offer 4G services. However, the TCS-Tejas-CDOT consortium is expected to spread the 4G network of the telecom operator. This means the state-run telecom operator will start its 4G operations soon.
The report states the government has already approved Rs 1.64 lakh crore revival package for the telecom operator and once the 4G services of the BSNL are ready it will start offering services in the metro first, while MTNL will only take care of old networks, which means there will no new connections in the MTNL.
Meanwhile, the merger between both telecom operators (BSNL and MTNL) will take some time due to legal issues. Notably, the merger between BSNL and MTNL was approved by the government in 2019; however, later, the ministry deferred the plan due to financial reasons and the high debt of MTNL.
BSNL To Launch 5G Services In 2023
Meanwhile, telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said the state-run telecom operator will bring 5G services by next year. He also clears that 80 percent of the country will have 5G services in the coming 24 to 36 months. The expansion of both 4G and 5G will be completed at the same time. This seems quite interesting as private players like Airtel and Reliance Jio are adding 5000 new sites every week. Both have launched 5G services in more than 50 cities.
Besides, India’s second-largest telecom operator Airtel has added two more cities to the list. The telecom operator launched services in Jammu and Srinagar on Wednesday (i.e. December 28th, 2022). The telecom operator is now providing 5G services in more than 10 cities and plans to cover the entire India by March 2024.
Similarly, Reliance Jio has rolled out services 5G services in a few parts of Andhra Pradesh like Vijayawada, Tirumala, Visakhapatnam, and Guntur. Moreover, the leading telecom operator plans to add more parts of the state in the coming months.
