BSNL to Launch 5G Services Starting 2025: Report

BSNL to Launch 5G Services Starting 2025: Report
State-owned operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) lost 636,830 subscribers in October 2023, bringing its total wireless subscriber base to 92,869,283 (92.86 Million), as reported by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Despite this setback, the company’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), PK Purwar, revealed that BSNL is targetting a 20 percent market share in the mobile subscriber segment by the end of the year, according to a report by FE.

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Also Read: BSNL Set to Roll Out 4G Services in UP East Circle by February: Report

BSNL 4G Rollout

BSNL plans to increase its wireless subscriber base by intensifying its 4G rollout throughout the year, emphasising the improvement of service quality and maintaining 100 percent network uptime, along with implementing various marketing initiatives, as stated in the report.

Market Share Target

“The target of achieving a 20 percent market share is practically possible, contingent upon the quality of our services and the speed at which we roll out 4G and 5G services,” stated Purwar, as quoted in the report. “Our customers eagerly anticipate our 4G services, and our product is undergoing upgrades. The trust of the people is placed in BSNL.”

As of October 31, 2023, BSNL holds an 8.08 percent market share in wireless subscribers, while MTNL has a 0.17 percent market share, according to TRAI data. BSNL has been experiencing continuous monthly subscriber losses, in contrast to Jio and Airtel, which boast market shares of 39.3 percent and 32.85 percent, respectively. Vodafone Idea holds a 19.6 percent market share in mobile subscribers during the same period.

Also Read: BSNL Offers Free Data on 4G SIM Upgrade to Boost Adoption of Upcoming 4G Services

BSNL 5G Plans

Purwar highlighted the significance of 2024 for expanding 4G services, aiming to deploy 100,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). He noted progress in Punjab and Haryana, where nearly 2,000 BTS have been installed. Additionally, Purwar disclosed plans to launch 5G services from 2025, leveraging the upgradability of the 4G network being installed.