Exclusive: BSNL Testing VoLTE Service in Over 30 Mobile Phones, Broader Rollout Expected Soon

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has been having a financially hard time in the country, and the major reason behind this is the lack of an extensive 4G network with the state-led telecom operator. While the other private telecom companies have got a 4G network which spans the country, the government-owned BSNL telco has a sparse 4G network which has not been able to cater to its subscriber base. However, even with the allocation of the 4G spectrum on hold for the telco, the operator is striving hard to switch to 4G in as many as circles as possible with the refarming of the 3G spectrum. Now there are quite a few areas, where BSNL has already deployed the 4G network.

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BSNL Refarming 3G Spectrum for Deploying 4G Network

BSNL is currently on the path of deploying 8500 number of eNode-Bs [4G sites] across India (except Mumbai and Delhi where MTNL is operating). With BSNL’s 4G rollout, there is one thing that we should note. Unlike the other operators who are rolling out the 4G network at an unprecedented rate, BSNL is unable to do the same because of the lack of a dedicated spectrum for the same. Because of this reason, BSNL is refarming its 3G spectrum into the 4G network. As such, BSNL has to discontinue its 3G services in the areas where it has to deploy 4G. For this purpose, BSNL is choosing its 4G sites selectively, meaning that it is going for 4G deployment in the areas where there is minimal 3G use or where there is more potential for 3G to 4G migration.