State-owned BSNL is gearing up to launch its 4G services nationwide starting in August, following the government's "Atmanirbhar" initiative. The company has successfully conducted trials, achieving peak speeds of 40-45 megabits per second using indigenous technology. This includes utilizing the 700 megahertz (MHz) and 2,100 MHz spectrum bands.

In Punjab, BSNL has already introduced 4G services, employing technology developed by TCS and C-DoT-led consortium. Approximately 800,000 subscribers have been onboarded in the region. Government officials express confidence in the performance of the indigenous 4G core developed by C-DoT, stating its stability within 10 months, despite the usual 12-month period required for such complex technologies.

The core network, essential for telecommunication services, plays a crucial role in aggregating, controlling calls, switching, authentication, charging, and acting as a gateway, as outlined by telecom regulator Trai.

BSNL has awarded contracts totaling around Rs 19,000 crore to TCS, Tejas Networks, and ITI for deploying the 4G network, with provisions for future 5G upgrades. Plans are underway to install 112,000 towers across India to support both 4G and 5G services.

Presently, BSNL has over 9,000 towers operational for 4G, primarily in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (West), and Haryana circles. Customers holding older SIM cards will need to upgrade to a 4G-compatible SIM to access the service, as BSNL has been exclusively selling 4G-capable SIMs for the past 4-5 years.

BSNL's move towards nationwide 4G deployment aligns with the broader goal of enhancing digital connectivity and promoting self-reliance in the telecommunications sector. By leveraging indigenous technology and partnerships with leading IT firms, BSNL aims to deliver high-speed internet services to millions of users across the country. The transition to 4G not only improves browsing speeds but also opens the door to a range of innovative applications and services, paving the way for a more connected and empowered society.

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