BSNL, a govt-owned telecom, is the only operator with no 4G option, while other operators are preparing for 5G. However, BSNL is working hard to deploy BSNL 4G services across the country, but the process is not smooth.
Chinese Firm ZTE not Allowed
Recently, BSNL is confident enough to roll out 4G in two zones, west and south zone, but need government approval. The approval is hanging because of the ZTE equipment used in networks. Due to security concerns, the Indian government has banned Chinese equipment in the telecom sector. Chinese-origin companies Huawei and ZTE are on the ban list.
BSNL is majorly using Nokia and ZTE network equipment across India. Since ZTE is a Chinese company, thus BSNL can’t order for network upgrade. Moreover, no upgradation problem with Nokia equipment.
Govt Approval Pending
PK Purwar, CMD, BSNL, wrote to the telecom secretary requesting his support with getting the government’s approval for the upgradation request. And explained the benefits of upgrading the existing equipment.
In case the government approved the BSNL’s request for upgradation. BSNL can reduce the financial burden and will be ready to roll out 4G service in about four months. Negotiations are still on with the government to upgrade the existing network equipment.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) urgently need an effective decision over upgradation approval. The All Unions and Associations of BSNL (AUAB) ask the telecom minister to help roll out BSNL 4G.
No Time for New Procurement
According to the union, procuring new 4G equipment and roll out will take about three years. By that time, other operators would have rolled out 5G services. As a result, the BSNL will be kicked off from the market, that too through its own fault.
BSNL 4G Trials Issues
ETTelecom.com reported that the BSNL 4G trials are not running smoothly. As some issue reported by the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)-led consortium. They have proposed 128 deviations in 4G equipment specifications. And the highest deviations proposed in the radio network is 71.
BSNL said the deviations include few critical issues that cannot be compromised for testing the equipment. Because the same equipment will be deployed to serve the 4G network. Furthermore, the High deviations will impact the BSNL’s customer experience, especially in the highly competitive market.
ITI and TCS have submitted their bid with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) for core technology and Tejas Networks for radio.
Thoughts
Replacing existing Chinese ZTE devices with new ones is a long and expensive process. But we cannot ignore the security concern through China. Nowadays, any Chinese device is considered as a spy tool not only by India but also by various other countries.
Surprisingly, only four telecom operators (Jio, Airtel, Vi, BSNL/MTNL) left across the country. Out of that, Vodafone-Idea (Vi) is battling for survival due to the AGR dispute. Meanwhile, BSNL 4G is surrounded by its own problem.
Things are a little sceptical, and in the worst case, we may see the fall of two more operators. The government need to do an intervention at least to revive BSNL before anything goes wrong.