BSNL is poised to take a major digital step in August, fueling speculation about the launch of 5G services. The government has initiated a monthly review plan, and the company has installed over 100,000 towers.
BSNL: The government-owned telecom company BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is preparing to take a significant step in August, causing a stir in the country's telecom sector. The company has shared a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, hinting at this upcoming digital transformation. This move not only signals technological changes but also potentially points towards the launch of BSNL's 5G service.
Will BSNL 5G Arrive in August?
While BSNL's announcement does not explicitly state which new service will be introduced, words like "digital experience" and "game-changing journey" suggest that the 5G launch is now very close. It is worth noting that BSNL has been working on strengthening its 4G network and developing its 5G infrastructure for the past few years. If BSNL rolls out 5G in August, it will mark a new beginning for the company, especially after lagging behind private companies for many years.
BSNL's Social Media Post Heightens Anticipation
BSNL released a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating: "This August, BSNL is set to deliver a next-level digital experience. Get ready for a game-changing digital journey." This statement has sparked curiosity among tech circles and users alike, raising the possibility that India's state-owned telecom company is about to join the 5G race.
Government's Major Plan: Monthly Progress Reviews
Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia recently announced in Parliament that monthly review meetings will now be held to assess the functioning of BSNL and MTNL. These meetings will review the company's digital development, consumer experience, innovation, and circle-based performance. The quarterly reviews will be conducted by the Union Minister himself, while the monthly meetings will be chaired by the Minister of State for Communications. This clearly indicates that the government is serious about re-establishing BSNL as a major player.
Service Improvement, Not Tariff Hikes
A key aspect of BSNL is its commitment to maintaining affordable plans. The company's Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) currently ranges between ₹40 and ₹175, while private companies have an ARPU of over ₹200. The government has tasked BSNL with increasing its ARPU by up to 50% without raising tariffs. This means the company will focus on enhancing user experience, network quality, and new services to drive revenue growth.
Network Infrastructure Gains Momentum
BSNL has recently completed the installation of 100,000 4G/5G towers and plans to add another 100,000 towers in the future. This step will be crucial in improving both network coverage and internet speed. BSNL can establish a b presence in rural India, where 5G access is still very limited.
What Will Change with the 5G Launch?
If BSNL launches 5G in August, the impact will be widespread:
- Rural and semi-urban users will get affordable and faster internet.
- Private companies will face the risk of declining ARPU.
- The Digital India mission will be strengthened.
- New possibilities will open up in Smart Cities, Healthcare, and Education sectors.
Increased Challenge for Private Companies
BSNL's services are cheaper compared to private companies, leading to fears of a decline in user base for these companies. Last year, when BSNL did not increase tariffs, millions of new users chose it. However, many users returned to private companies due to network issues. With improved network infrastructure and a potential 5G launch, BSNL's comeback could be even more impactful this time.
