Technically, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) offers some of the best 4G prepaid plans in India. In terms of data, SMS benefits, voice calling, and other benefits, BSNL is right at the top when it comes to offering cheap plans. But BSNL 4G plans lack one thing - the support of the PAN India 4G network. See, if there’s no 4G coverage, how would a 4G plan make a difference. It would only end up looking like a gimmick from the company to lure in customers. The thing is, it is not just BSNL’s fault that there is no 4G network coverage of the telco throughout the country, there are more factors at play here, and one of them is the lack of support from the government.
BSNL 4G Dream Ignored By the Government
It isn’t like BSNL hasn’t got any support from the government, but there’s just not ‘enough’ of it. The telco has been interfered with so many times. BSNL has tried its best to come out with solutions for rolling out 4G networks, but all it has received is backlash.
The telco initially tried to rollout 4G networks with foreign vendors, but that move received a lot of criticism because, according to some groups and some important people at the top, it felt like not giving local Indian vendors a fair chance to compete.
Yes, BSNL’s a state-run company, but that doesn’t mean it can’t take help from the outside. Especially when there’s no local Indian company with proven technology or history in this line of field. Going with an Indian company only increases the cost of network deployment and the time taken to do it, which affects the future of BSNL in such a mighty way.
The telco needs the support of the government when it comes to 4G. Hopefully, it will start receiving it soon. BSNL is also looking forward to getting the money back from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that it is owed; the figures are near about Rs 30,000 crore. This money can help the telco pay off salaries, make equipment upgrades, and whatnot.
Honestly, it is a little sad to see the Indian government-run telecom operator at the bottom of the table with no help. Hopefully, the government and the telco can reach a solution as fast as possible because any more delays in launching 4G network can be catastrophic for BSNL. This also affects the industry since the survival of BSNL is very much needed to avoid the duopoly of Airtel and Jio in the long run.
