Public sector telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is finally bringing good news to Malayalees. As India's fourth-largest telecom operator, BSNL has been actively working to enhance its services nationwide. As part of this effort, the company is strengthening its operations in Kerala.
A Long-Awaited 4G Launch
Though BSNL was late to launch its 4G services, it is now rolling out the network with indigenous technology developed in collaboration with Tata Group. Reports suggest that this same network will soon be upgraded to 5G services as well.
BSNL has already installed over 65,000 4G towers across the country, with plans to increase this number to 100,000 sites soon. In Kerala alone, 5,000 new 4G sites have recently been added, marking a significant step in improving network coverage and service quality.
Affordable 4G Tariffs Amid Rising Private Operator Prices
One of BSNL's biggest advantages is its affordability. While private telecom companies continue to hike 5G service prices, BSNL remains known for offering some of the most budget-friendly 4G plans in the world. This has led to a significant increase in customer migration to BSNL, especially after recent tariff hikes by private players.
Tata's Crucial Role in BSNL's Expansion
BSNL's 4G and 5G expansion is being carried out in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks, subsidiaries of the Tata Group. These companies are actively planning and implementing new site installations across various regions to improve connectivity.
Once BSNL achieves its 100,000 4G site milestone, the company is expected to begin upgrading its network to 5G. TCS plays a crucial role in this transition, as its software updates will enable the existing 4G infrastructure to be transformed into a 5G-ready network.
Moving Towards Standalone and Non-Standalone 5G
Like Airtel, BSNL is rolling out 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) technology across India. Additionally, the company is also testing 5G Standalone (SA) technology, with trials currently underway in Delhi. However, the full-fledged rollout of BSNL 5G is still pending, as the company is in the process of finalizing tenders.
A Promising Future for BSNL in Kerala
With BSNL expanding its services in Kerala, experts predict that the company will attract a larger customer base. Many users in Kerala have expressed frustration over the price hikes by private telecom operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. As a result, BSNL's affordable 4G services and its upcoming 5G launch are seen as a major relief for cost-conscious customers.
Supporting India's Digital Growth
BSNL's 4G and 5G initiatives align with the Indian government's Digital India vision, as the public sector telecom provider plays a key role in bringing high-speed internet connectivity to remote areas at affordable rates. The government's continued support for BSNL ensures its survival and expansion in the highly competitive telecom sector.
As BSNL strengthens its presence in Kerala and across India, it is poised to become a strong alternative to private telecom giants, offering reliable and cost-effective services to millions of users.
