Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced a groundbreaking 4G and 5G-ready over-the-air (OTA) and Universal SIM (USIM) platform in India. Announced on Friday, this initiative by the state-owned telecom provider is aimed at significantly improving service quality and connectivity across the country. The platform aligns with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision, promoting self-reliance and enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas.
BSNL 4G and 5G-Ready OTA Platform:
BSNL’s new platform was officially launched in Chandigarh, with a disaster recovery site established in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu. This platform is designed to cater to BSNL users nationwide, offering enhanced telecommunications services and network capabilities. One of its key features is the ability to swap SIM cards without being restricted by geographical boundaries, thus making SIM replacement and number portability more accessible and convenient.
Improved Network Speeds and Coverage:
BSNL claims that the introduction of this platform will result in faster network speeds and improved coverage throughout India. This is a significant step forward for the telecom provider, as it continues to expand its 4G network, with plans to support 5G services in the near future. The platform also facilitates remote file management on SIM cards, further enhancing the user experience.
Support for 4G and 5G Networks:
The new platform supports both 4G and 5G networks in India. BSNL is targeting a full-fledged rollout of its 4G services by March 2025, with the 5G rollout expected to follow within six to eight months after achieving this milestone. This ambitious plan includes the deployment of an additional 80,000 network towers by October, adding to the existing 15,000 towers already set up in regions like Himachal Pradesh and UP West.
Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative:
BSNL’s move to introduce this platform is closely aligned with the Government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims to make the nation more self-reliant. By bridging the digital divide, especially in rural regions and remote areas, BSNL is playing a crucial role in ensuring that more citizens have access to reliable and high-quality telecommunications services.
With the launch of its 4G and 5G-ready OTA and Universal SIM platform, BSNL is poised to revolutionize the telecom landscape in India. This initiative not only enhances connectivity and service quality but also supports the broader goal of making India self-reliant in digital technology. As BSNL continues to expand its network infrastructure, users can look forward to faster, more reliable service across the country.
