Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched its first indigenous 4G site at the Ballygunge Telephone Exchange in Kolkata, as reported by The Statesman. This launch marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with plans to extend BSNL’s indigenous 4G network across Bengal in the coming weeks and months. The state-run telecom operator has been testing its homegrown technology in Punjab. The launch faced delays due to issues with the core technology provided by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT). Tejas Network is supplying the Radio Access Network (RAN) technology, while Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is acting as the systems integrator (SI).
The Government of India has mandated BSNL to use indigenous technology for its 4G and 5G rollout, despite the initial absence of proven domestic technology or equipment. As part of a relief package, BSNL has received 4G and 5G spectrum from the government.
BSNL aims to deploy 4G technology at 100,000 sites nationwide over the next two years. While some 4G sites using foreign technology are already operational, they are limited in number, resulting in a small user base for BSNL’s 4G network. To promote its 4G services, BSNL has introduced offers such as bonus data for upgrading to 4G SIMs and free 4G SIMs for new users.
In recent years, BSNL has lost many customers to private telecom operators due to the absence of 4G services. Additionally, BSNL needs to address coverage gaps to regain its competitive edge in the telecom market.
