BSNL Expands Digital Connectivity in Tribal Areas and Aims for 5G Launch in 2024.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecom service provider, plans to revolutionize digital connectivity in tribal areas by providing 4G services in over 120 villages of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. As part of its efforts to compete with private providers like Airtel and Jio, BSNL is upgrading its network infrastructure for 5G compatibility; 5G services should launch before 2024.
What Does BSNL Do to Connect Tribal Areas?
BSNL has set its sights on connecting tribal areas to India and beyond through 4G services, investing Rs 50 crore to lay 450 km of optical fibre cables ensuring high-speed internet connectivity and providing hi-tech solutions in remote regions.
What Are BSNL’s Upgradation Plans?
BSNL is making great strides toward its network upgradation and 4G rollout plans over the next several years, targeting nationwide coverage by 2023 and 5G service in 2024. According to Chairman and Managing Director Pravin Kumar Purwar, this company plans on increasing market share from its current 9.9 percent nationwide up to 15-20 percent nationwide; within Himachal Pradesh specifically they hope for an impressive 150 percent rise; something they are proudly advertising alongside their 5G plans.
How Are BSNL Operators Competing With Private Operators?
BSNL continues to make progress towards closing the gap with private operators by replacing copper wire with optical fibre in order to provide high-speed broadband services. Over 1300 sites have already been upgraded while 250-300 new sites will be established to improve coverage.
As part of its plans to speed up deployment of their fibre network, BSNL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Himachal Pradesh government, to take advantage of skilled labor available at technical institutes in Himachal Pradesh to accelerate rollout.
What Does the Future Hold for BSNL?
With its expansion of digital connectivity in tribal areas and readiness to implement them, India stands ready to bring digital change and provide access to essential services to rural residents.