State-run telecom operator BSNL has finally confirmed that they will roll out 4G services next year. Kerala, the state which consumes maximum bandwidth under BSNL’s services, has been selected as the state for their initial rollout.
Besides, talks are also on for creating a new brand identity for BSNL’s 4G services, and plans are all set to counter Jio, Airtel in this regard.
Will they stick to their promise this time?
BSNL: We Are Ready For 4G, Finally!
Although BSNL had earlier announced their much-awaited 4G launch, this time, the news seems confirmed because it has been announced by their Chairman.
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava said,
“We are going to start 4G from Kerala. That will be our first circle on 4G LTE. We will initially focus on those areas where 3G coverage is low,”
Kerala being their first choice for 4G rollout seems justified because of the fact that earlier this year, the state became #1 in consuming data under BSNL’s new plans.
After Kerala, BSNL will launch their 4G services in Odisha, followed by pan-India.
However, we should take this news with a pinch of salt, because in the last few years, they had announced their 4G, even 5G launches, but nothing happened.
In February last year, BSNL announced 4G rollout by March 2016, but the plan was delayed. Then again in April 2016 similar plans were announced, but nothing happened.
In September this year, rumours of BSNL testing 5G network came out; and the same happened in August as well.
But this time, the confirmation has come directly from the Chairman, and it seems the rollout will finally begin.
BSNL 4G: A New Beginning?
Rumors are in that a separate brand identity will be created, especially for 4G services.
Besides, they are looking to optimally utilize their 5MHz spectrum which they currently have in the 2100MHz band license, and then build the network based on that.
But more spectrum is definitely required for expanding pan-India.
Sharma said,
“Once the additional 5MHz spectrum comes to us, we will start rolling out in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other places. So the network will become 2G, 3G and 4G with enhanced data capability,”
Reports are also emerging that BSNL will establish their 4G services on Long Term Evolution route (a standard for high-speed wireless communication), which will mean better speed and better services for approximate 10 crore users across India.
We will keep you updated as we receive more information about BSNL’s 4G services.