New Logo, Trial Run and 7 Initiatives: What Is Happening With BSNL 5G?

According to TRAI’s Q2 2024 report, Reliance Jio lost 10.9 million subscribers in India following its price hike. On the other hand, BSNL gained 2.9 million subscribers during the same period.

Following this, the Indian Government and BSNL have made new plans to strengthen the latter's presence in the country. BSNL has confirmed that it is preparing to switch its users to 5G network by 2025. It has also introduced seven new changes for consumers, including a logo revamp.

In this article, we discuss BSNL’s 5G launch date, new changes, and more.

BSNL 5G: When is it launching?

BSNL's Principal General Manager L. Sreenu, in an interview to The Hindu, said that BSNL plans to provide 5G services to its customers by the 'Sankranti' festival in 2025, which falls on January 14.

However, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, speaking at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, announced that the transition from 4G to 5G networks will take place in June 2025.

BSNL has already released the pictures of its 5G SIM card.

Interesting 👀#BSNL #5G #India pic.twitter.com/pOlcW7nHwC

— Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) July 23, 2024

BSNL 5G trial runs

The state-owned operator has confirmed successful trials of its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and core network on the 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz frequency bands. It aims to establish 100,000 4G sites by mid-2025.

BSNL is also conducting these trials in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and local manufacturers. BSNL is the only telecom operator to run 5G trials on indigenous networks.

BSNL new logo, services

“We are not going to increase our tariffs in the near future” - BSNL Chairman📱📶

Source: @moneycontrolcom #BSNL4G @BSNLCorporate pic.twitter.com/fltSxBp0A3

— Hardwire (@Hardwire_news) October 22, 2024

On October 22, 2024, Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled BSNL’s new logo. The colour theme has shifted from white to saffron, with an Indian map at the centre. The new logo’s colour theme aligns with that of India’s national flag. Alongside the logo revamp, BSNL introduced seven new initiatives for its consumers.

1. Spam-Free Network

Similar to Airtel’s ‘Suspected Spam’ feature, BSNL has launched a new service to protect its users from spam. According to BSNL, it uses AI to filter out unwanted or spam SMS, blocking them directly so they do not reach the user’s phone. Currently, it only blocks SMS. At IMC 2024, a BSNL employee told Hardwire that its spam-filtering feature is 99 per cent accurate.

2. BSNL National Wi-Fi Roaming

BSNL's new Wi-Fi roaming service for its FTTH customers allows users to access high-speed internet at BSNL hotspots without any additional charges. This service will enable BSNL users to access the internet from anywhere at no extra cost.

3. BSNL IFTV

India's first fibre-based intranet TV service, BSNL IFTV, offers more than 500 live channels and Pay TV through BSNL’s FTTH network. This service is available to all FTTH subscribers at no extra cost and does not consume the user’s data pack.

4. Any Time SIM (ATS) kiosks

BSNL has also introduced automated SIM kiosks that allow new users to purchase, upgrade, port, or replace SIM cards at any time. These kiosks feature UPI-enabled payments, KYC integration, and multi-lingual support.

5. Direct-to-Device Service

BSNL has confirmed the launch of India's first Direct-to-Device (D2D) service, which combines satellite and terrestrial mobile networks to ensure superior connectivity. This service will be particularly useful in emergencies and remote areas, and will support UPI payments in challenging environments.

6. Public protection and disaster relief solution

BSNL will collaborate with government agencies to develop India’s first guaranteed secure communication system and encrypted network for disaster response. The solution includes drone and balloon-based systems to extend connectivity and ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies.

7. First private 5G in mines

BSNL has partnered with C-DAC to bring 5G connectivity to the mining industry, using Made-in-India equipment. This will deliver low-latency connectivity and support advanced applications such as AI, IoT, real-time AGV control, and fleet optimisation in both underground and open-cast mines, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

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