After years of delays and waiting, state-run telecom operator BSNL has finally launched its 4G network in India. The company kicked things off in Kerala and will provide LTE coverage at 5 locations in the high range Idukki district.
BSNL Chief General Manager P T Mathew said that BSNL’s 4G coverage would gradually expand to other places in Kerala by the end of the year. It’s also announced a tie-up with US-based carrier T-Mobile to provide roaming facilities to its prepaid subscribers. It’s done the same in Nepal, joining hands with local provider N-Cell there.
BSNL also took some time out to announce a special Home plan priced at Rs 67. As per PTI, the scheme allows customers to make unlimited local, STD, or roaming calls to one Kerala BSNL landline number. There’s no FUP limit attached to the plan, a major plus point.
Unfortunately, BSNL didn’t mention exactly when its 4G service would spread to other parts of the country. Telecom Talk reports that this may not happen anytime soon since there’s a shortage of spectrum.
It’s possible this will change in the future if BSNL snaps up new spectrum. In fact, the brand’s 4G facilities in Kerala apparently utilizes the existing 3G network there. In any case, the operator has a long way to go if it wants to compete against the likes of Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone in the 4G arena.
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BSNL’s been announcing a slew of plans to attract new and old customers lately, but the fact that it still offers only 3G speeds dents the appeal of the packs significantly. We’ll let you know if the firm expands its 4G reach beyond Kerala this year.