State-run telecom operator BSNL has finally launched its 4G services in Kerala. However, as per an official statement from the company, the 4G services will be initially available only in five locations of Idukki district. The company will expand 4G services to other cities very soon. Also, do make a note that this is just a soft launch, meaning the company has used the existing spectrum to generate the 4G network.
However, BSNL subscribers in the 4G soft launch regions can use 4G service with the existing 3G U-SIMs 256K modules. BSNL officially confirmed that the service would be commissioned in other districts of Kerala by the end of 2018. BSNL Chief General Manager P T Mathew said adding the work in this regard is progressing. The 4G service will offer higher data speeds leading to better user experience, he said.
Nevertheless, BSNL has finally launched 4G services in the country, after a long wait. And a Twitter user named Nagella Trinath (@nagellatrinath) has tweeted the first 4G speed test conducted on BSNL 4G network. As you can see in the image, BSNL 4G is offering a download speed of 25.20 Mbps and upload speed of 5.36 Mbps.
Also, during the same event in Kerala, officials at BSNL announced that they have tied up with T-Mobile to offer international roaming service in the United States. Also, BSNL partnered with N-Cell telecom operator in Nepal to offer roaming services in Nepal.
BSNL also unveiled a new entry-level Home plan of Rs 67, which allows a user to make unlimited local/STD/BSNL roaming calls to one Kerala BSNL landline number. And the best part of this plan is it doesn't come with any FUP limit per month.
Sadly, BSNL may not launch 4G services in other parts of the country due to the shortage of spectrum. However, once BSNL purchases new spectrum, they'll surely expand the service to other parts of India.