BSNL 4G: ETA Unknown

On 15th August, 2024 BSNL announced that the state-run telco has deployed more than 15000+ 4G BTS across the country under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative - the image you can see on the left was shared from BSNL's X (formerly Twitter) handle. 

However the target was 20,000 BTS installation. At the same time 'The Hindu Business Line' pointed out that DoT's Tarang website shows BSNL has only 10,000 active 4G BTS. 

BSNL's 4G service has been a long-due. Airtel was first Indian telecom operator to launch 4G services in 2012 in Kolkata. Spectrum and choosing equipment vendor were many of few roadblocks for the PSU. 

BSNL 5G May Come Earlier: Indian Start Ups Plan Trials on BSNL's 700MHz Spectrum

Government backed telecom service provider - BSNL, who, though late, is presently busy with 4G roll out across the country, may bring 5G before the expected date. Home grown Tejas and TCS backed BSNL's 4G network core can be upgraded to 5G easily. 

Airtel started 4G in 2012, and Jio brought it in 2016, but both companies launched 5G commercially in 2022. BSNL is just gearing up for 4G roll out in almost middle of 2024. Considering Airtel's entry in 4G space, BSNL 4G is just 12 years late. But recent tariff hike by Airtel, Jio and Vi made the customers to look into BSNL's plans and many are porting to BSNL, despite having only 3G offering in most places.