BSNL plans to launch a host of activities to improve the connectivity. It would launch 4G services across six telecom circles out of the 20 circles it operates through a strategic partnership with private players, according to reports.
BSNL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Anupam Shrivastava confirmed the news, but have not revealed the names of the private players with whom the operator plans to tie up.
According to sources, Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) would be the first possible choice for partnership. RJIl has already signed an agreement with BSNL to lease out 4000 of its mobile towers. It is also the only player that possesses 4G spectrum in 2300 MHz band across all 22 circles.
The other possible choice would be Russian-based telecom operator SSTL. It works under MTS brand in India and has services across nine circles.
Unlike the private players, BSNL plans to roll out 4G only by March 2016. It owns limited spectrum and would need at least 5MHz for the successful roll out of 4G.
Besides partnership with private players, the state-run telecom operator would also try converging its wired and wireless networks to deliver high speed internet. Since, its broadband spectrum span across 16 circles, this is a possible proposal to consider. The operator will also improve its Wi-Fi and 3G services, for which it is upgrading the networks.
BSNL will also integrate 3G, 4G network which would enable the customer to transfer to Wi-Fi.
For its prestigious Wi-Fi hotspot project, the state-run operator is investing about Rs. 7000 crore over the next two years.
