Bhubaneswar: After large-scale shedding of subscribers in mobile services, the Public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd seems regaining confidence of wireless telecom users.

From July through the month of October, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reported the public sector teleco witnessing net addition of subscribers, when its peers in private – Reliance Jio and Vodaphone Idea have been shedding subscribers.

The above data of TRAI shows BSNL is second teleco after Bharati Airtel to record growth in subscriber base

 Moreover, the prime reason behind the public sector teleco gaining mobile users in the second half of year 2024 has been attributed to status quo on tariff hike, especially when other competitors have hiked their tariff plans. 

The report also shows BSNL gaining in remunerative circles like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab Haryana.

In Odisha, also, BSNL has added new subscribers in the 2^nd and 3^rd quarter of 2024. 

WHY BSNL LOST SUBSCRIBERS?

The Standing Committee on Public Sector Undertakings chaired by BJP Lok Sabha MP Baijayant Panda in its recently submitted report on BSNL has outlined the following behind the loss of market share of public sector teleco:

• Limited 4G coverage by BSNL, especially in rural areas, that hampered its competitiveness.
• BSNL's delayed adoption of 4G technology has placed it at a disadvantage in a market dominated by 4G and 5G.
• The Committee expressed its concern over slow roll out of 4G by BSNL
• The report noted that only 200 of 1 lakh planned sites have been commissioned so far.

WHEN BSNL WILL ROLL OUT 4G?

As per the Union Telecom Ministry’s report: 

• Under Atmanirbhar initiative of the Government, BSNL was directed to deploy Indian core for 4G on the recommendations of Empowered Technology Group (ETG). 
• BSNL floated tender on 22-10-2022 for 1 lakh 4G sites. 
• The bid was opened on 23.11.2022. The evaluation of the bid has been concluded and is under submission for approval of Group of Ministers (GoM). 
• This year, BSNL has rolled out 4G services in the following states but on a limited scale.

WHEN BSNL WILL ROLL OUT 5G?

As per Union Telecom Ministry report, the spectrum in 600MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz bands have been kept reserved for BSNL for providing 5G services. 

The Standing Committee on Public Sector Undertaking has the following recommendation for BSNL.

• It recommended BSNL to prioritise and expedite deployment of indigenous 4G,
• Explore partnerships to enhance performance and,
• Establish a clear roadmap for the 5G upgrade by December 2024 to remain competitive and contribute to the BharatNet project. 

As per Union Telecom Ministry Report, the 5G services by BSNL would be provided after roll out of 4G services all over India. And 5G services will be launched from the 1 lakh 4G sites taken up by BSNL, the report added.

Meanwhile, reports added that BSNL has completed trials for its 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) and core network across 36GHz and 700MHz. frequency bands.

The delay in rolling out 4G services completely by BSNL hint at the public teleco will be launching its 5G services between October – December 2025, including in Odisha. And the timeline will be shared in the first quarter of YEAR 2025.

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