BSNL Testing 4G Services in Gujarat, With 2GB Free Data

The state-run telco, BSNL, aspires to provide asolid 5G networkto its customers in the next five years, but it has yet to roll out 4G services throughout India. With an ambition to change that soon, the telco hasbegun testing 4G services and preparing for a phased roll-out in the state of Gujarat.

BSNL hasreportedlykicked off the trial of a 4G+2G network starting yesterday, i.e. November 26, in towns such as Gandhidham and Anjar of Gujarat. The existing3G network is being revamped to offer 4G services, which means that with a full-fledged upgrade, users will not be able to use a 3G network, but only 4G and 2G services.

To make use of the 4G services, you will need a new 4G-enabled SIM card and to get one, you must visit any nearby BSNL office or exchange. BSNL is alsooffering 2GB of free datato users who get new SIM cards.

BSNL’s entry (finally) into the segment of telecom operators offering 4G/LTE services throughout India might threatenJio’s dominance,especially in tier-2, tier-3 regions, and rural areas, because of the former’s affordable offerings. The state-owned telco recently launched 4G services in Andhra Pradesh and has been soft-testing the same in Kerala and Karnataka.

Timely introduction of 4G services in most regions of India should also help BSNL recover from thelosses it has incurredin the last one year. This trend can be seen especially in relation to Jio’s popularity, which may have propelled since the launch of the affordableJioPhone and JioPhone 2along with economical plans starting at Rs 49 per month.

Lastly, BSNL has been vocal about itsaspirations to get onboard the 5G bandwagonfor a long time and recentlyannounced a partnership withEricsson Indiato deploy 5G services by 2023. However, with therepeated promises, followed bydelays in the implementationof 4G, might give rise to doubts about the operator’s claims.

We will be in a better position to judge these claims only after BSNL executes a wider roll-out of its 4G services. Meanwhile, we’d love to hear your opinions about BSNL 4G if you have been able to test it out already in Gujarat. How does it compare to Jio and other options?

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