BSNL announces plans to prioritize 4G network completion by 2024

Indian state-owned telecommunications company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced its plans to prioritize the completion of its 4G network by the year 2024. This renewed focus aims to increase BSNL’s market share and will result in a delay of their 5G ambitions until 2025. BSNL aims to achieve a 20% mobile market share by the end of this year.

To meet their target, BSNL will need to accelerate the rollout of their 4G network and ensure network quality and uptime. The company is currently upgrading existing cell sites and installing new ones in different regions across India. By the end of the year, BSNL plans to have 100,000 operational 4G base stations.

What sets BSNL’s network expansion apart is its reliance on locally developed network equipment. A consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) was awarded a significant order from BSNL last year to provide the necessary infrastructure for the network rollout.

BSNL’s 4G network will serve as the foundation for their future 5G launch. The company aims to make their 4G base stations upgradable to 5G through software updates, ensuring a smooth transition in the future. However, the launch of 5G by BSNL has experienced multiple delays, with the latest target now set for 2025.

In contrast, private telcos Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have set their sights on completing 5G rollouts by the end of this year. They have also made significant progress in migrating subscribers to 5G, with approximately 100 million users recorded by the end of November 2023.

By prioritizing the completion of their 4G network and focusing on increasing market share, BSNL aims to strengthen its position in the Indian telecommunications market. Although the launch of 5G may be delayed, BSNL’s efforts to expand network infrastructure and enhance service quality are expected to contribute to its long-term growth and competitiveness.

FAQ
What is BSNL?
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a state-owned telecommunications company in India.

What is 4G?
4G is the fourth generation of wireless broadband technology, offering faster speeds and improved network performance compared to its predecessor, 3G.

What is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless broadband technology, expected to provide even faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity compared to 4G.

Sources:
Financial Express

The source of the article is from the blog karacasanime.com.ve