• By Vikas Yadav
  • Tue, 06 Aug 2024 02:30 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) gained massive limelight after the recent tariff hike by private telecom service providers. It seems the state-owned telcos now aim to compete better with the private counterparts on 5G fronts. In a recent video posted by the X (formerly called Twitter) handle of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia tested BSNL 5G via a live video call.

DoT India shared a video of the event and said: "Successful testing of BSNL #5G enabled video call." The minister visited the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) at the C-DOT campus in New Delhi on Saturday. The video calling test and remarks of the Union Minister hint that BSNL is working to introduce 5G services for its subscribers in India.

Also Read: BSNL Recharge Plans 2024: Top 15 BSNL Prepaid Plans With Calling And Data Benefits To Check Out After Jio, Airtel, Vi Tariff Hike

In another video, Scindia says 80,000 towers will ensure 4G networks will reach mobile phones in October 2024. About 1,00,000 towers will ensure 4G services by March. The minister shared that it would be possible to deploy 5G services based on the 4G core. The government is working in this regard so that BSNL 5G can be deployed.

According to media reports, the 4G network system is expected to be available in 6-12 months. However, the BSNL has not shared a precise launch timeline for wider 4G and 5G services across India. While not confirmed by the telcos, rumours hint that BSNL 5G trails may start at select locations in Delhi (Connaught Place, IIT Campus, JNU Campus, Sanchar Bhavan and India Habitat Center), IIT Hyderabad, parts of Gurugram and government establishments in Bangalore.

Also Read: How To Port Jio SIM To BSNL: Check Full Process To Port Your Existing Airtel, Jio, Vi SIM Card To BSNL After Tariff Hike

Meanwhile, subscribers of BSNL have been gaining momentum after private telecom service providers such as Airtel, Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) announced price hikes on their prepaid and postpaid plans. BSNL continues to offer its services at old rates which have turned notably more attractive after the price rise.