- By Alex David
- Sun, 28 Dec 2025 06:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Government-owned telco BSNL is set to close down its 3G services in India. The shift is part of the carrier’s larger plan to turn its attention to building up its 4G network and getting prepared for 5G services. As part of the shift, BSNL is also preparing to terminate its network maintenance deals with Nokia and Chinese company ZTE.
If you are a BSNL customer currently operating with a 3G SIM, then this is an important update, which needs immediate attention.
How Will This Affect BSNL Customers?
According to a report by Mint, the move would affect BSNL consumers who are still using 3G SIM cards. Many customers subsist in the regions where BSNL's 4G is yet to be completely rolled out and are using the 3G network.
Currently, BSNL provides 3G coverage in about 5,863 towns in India. Customers in these areas will experience connectivity issues once the 3G service is shut down.
What Should BSNL 3G Users Do Now?
If you have a BSNL 3G SIM, get one step ahead of things and switch to a 4G or future-ready SIM by simply visiting your nearest BSNL service centre or office. On December 10, BSNL had sent an official letter to all Circle Chief General Managers, informing them about its decision and grant of authority for closure of the 3G service in most identified areas where the company is operating 4G services.
It’s worth mentioning that both TCS, tasked with installing the 4G towers for BSNL across India and Indian Railways Construction Ltd.
Crippled BSNL’s 4G Plans Throughout the ordeal, the status of the fourth-generation (4G) project by cash-strapped public-sector companies has remained unchanged.
Status of BSNL’s 4G Network Rollout
So far BSNL has put up 97,481 4G mobile towers across the country. The wireless carrier that works said the nationwide tower count stands at 229,278. Of these, 58,919 sites are yet to migrate from 3G.
The strategy will continue to transition 3G spectrum and equipment to the more advanced 4G ecosystem, enabling improved service quality and operational efficiency.
How Many BSNL Users Are Still on 2G and 3G?
As of September this year, BSNL has 92.2 million mobile subscribers, as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data. Of these users, only 22 million are currently on the 4G network. The rest of the subscribers are still on 2G and 3G SIMs, many even using the slower generation network.
ALSO READ: Jio, Airtel And Vi Activate CNAP Facility: Here's What It Means For You
The Technical Reason Behind the 3G Shutdown
The report also highlights the technical rationale behind BSNL’s decision. The company wants to fully repurpose the 2100 MHz spectrum for 4G services, which will help deliver better speeds and improved network performance.
But this exchange could be one more thing customers will need to figure out. If the user doesn’t have a 4G SIM-compatible phone, he might be forced to go for a new purchase, which is an additional cost.
Bottom Line
The decision to shut 3G services is a key step in the long-delayed network modernisation by BSNL. Although the transition is taking place to bolster 4G coverage and ready infrastructure for 5G, customers still using a dated 3G SIM should waste no time in getting an upgrade and confirming their phone’s compatibility with more modern network tech.