When BSNL 5G is Coming?

Summary

BSNL is experiencing rapid growth, gaining 2 lakh subscribers in July amidst price hikes by competitors. Its affordability makes it a popular choice, but questions arise about network quality and the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies. BSNL plans to utilize indigenous 4G core technology by C-Dot and TCS, with a target of 100,000 4G-enabled towers by 2025. They are also testing 5G on the 700 MHz spectrum in various locations and have introduced '5G Ready' SIM cards as a marketing strategy. Despite being the cheapest, BSNL faces challenges with inconsistent network quality, but has the potential to win consumer trust and market share with a robust 4G network.

Takeaways

• 📈 BSNL is experiencing rapid growth, gaining 2 lakh subscribers in July, likely due to price increases by competitors making BSNL more affordable.
• 💰 Despite the price hikes, BSNL remains the most cost-effective option in the market, attracting new subscribers.
• 🤔 There are concerns about whether BSNL's growth will translate to network quality improvements, especially in terms of 4G and 5G technologies.
• 📱 BSNL's network is predominantly 3G, while the market is shifting towards 4G and 5G, with 5G smartphones becoming more common.
• 🛠️ BSNL plans to use indigenous 4G core technology developed by C-Dot and TCS, but the rollout has been slow.
• 📅 BSNL aims to have 4G enabled on 100,000 towers by March 2025, indicating a gradual approach to network upgrades.
• 🔄 BSNL is considering reusing its 4G core technology for 5G, which could expedite the transition to the newer technology.
• 📡 BSNL has started 5G trials in various locations across India, including Connaught Place in Delhi and near IIT Delhi.
• 📱 The marketing of '5G Ready' SIM cards by BSNL is more of a promotional strategy rather than an indication of actual 5G service availability.
• 📶 The compatibility of SIM cards with 4G and 5G networks is generally not an issue, with 95% of them being compatible without the need for upgrades.
• 🏆 BSNL has the opportunity to win consumer trust and capture the market by improving the quality and consistency of its 4G network.

Q & A

How many new subscribers did BSNL gain in July?

BSNL gained only 2 lakh subscribers in July.

What was the impact of other telecom companies raising their prices on BSNL?

The positive impact of other companies raising their prices was on BSNL, as it is still the most affordable in the market, leading to an increase in its subscribers.

What is the current state of BSNL's network technology?

BSNL's network is mostly 3G, even though 4G and 5G are widely discussed and used in India.

What is BSNL's strategy for implementing 4G technology?

BSNL decided to use its own indigenous 4G core technology, developed by C-Dot and TCS, but the rollout has been slow.

What is the target for BSNL's 4G network coverage by March 2025?

The plan is to have 4G enabled on 100,000 BSNL towers by March 2025.

Is BSNL considering the implementation of 5G technology?

Yes, BSNL is taking a different path and is already testing 5G technology, using the core technology developed for 4G.

What is the significance of BSNL's 700 MHz spectrum testing for 5G?

Testing on the 700 MHz spectrum is significant as it indicates BSNL's active involvement in 5G trials, despite being later to the market compared to competitors like Airtel and Jio.

What does the term '5G Ready SIM card' mean in the context of BSNL?

The '5G Ready SIM card' is a marketing method indicating that the SIM card is compatible with future 5G networks, but it does not necessarily mean that 5G services are currently available.

What is the current status of BSNL's 5G trials?

BSNL is testing 5G in various locations across India, including Connaught Place in Delhi, near IIT Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai.

What is VONR or VO5G, and is BSNL testing it?

VONR, or Voice Over New Radio, is a technology for voice services over 5G networks. BSNL is testing this technology as part of its 5G trials.

What challenges does BSNL face in terms of network quality and market competition?

BSNL faces challenges with inconsistent network quality and the need to prove itself in the market against competitors that have already established 4G networks and are advancing towards 5G.