BSNL, the state-run Indian telecom operator, is facing challenges with its 4G rollout due to issues with the homegrown technology mandated by the government. The network core developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) is reportedly experiencing problems, particularly in outdoor environments where multiple subscribers cannot make concurrent calls.
To address these issues, BSNL has reached out to Finnish vendor Nokia and Chinese vendor ZTE for assistance in stabilizing outdoor 4G services using their core networks. Additionally, BSNL is working on increasing the capacity of its IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to augment network traffic.
Despite claims by C-DoT, which is part of a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-led consortium, of successfully developing and testing the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), the reality on the ground appears different. TCS was tasked with providing the equipment and acting as a systems integrator (SI) for the rollout based on these claims.
However, BSNL’s ability to successfully launch 4G across India and gain a larger market share is uncertain. With a user base of around 90 million, of which the active user base is below 50 million, BSNL has been losing customers to private telcos due to its lack of a PAN-India 4G network.
The limited areas where BSNL’s 4G networks are operational rely on solutions from international vendors. TCS aims to fulfill its equipment order and support BSNL’s aggressive 4G rollout this fiscal year. However, if issues persist with the network core, it could result in a suboptimal experience for customers.
