BSNL’s 4G service launch in Tamil Nadu by June 2024

BSNL to launch 4G services in TN in June 2024, with homegrown equipment and TCS software. Installation of new signal transmission towers underway to cover every corner of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts. BSNL to provide 5G service shortly after 4G launch. Batteries with 3,000 Ah capacity being provided to BTS. 3G services to be scrapped, 2G services to continue. Subscribers urged to get 4G SIMs free of cost. Random re-verification of subscribers identity underway.

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s 4G services in Tamil Nadu is likely to take off in June 2024 with homegrown equipment and the software supplied by software giant, Tata Consultancy Services. (TCS)

A top BSNL official told The Hindu that the BSNL, having planned to complete within 18 months the infrastructure creation for the rollout of 4G services, had already started receiving the homegrown equipment and software for this service, which might go up to December this year.

After installation of equipment and the testing and trial, the BSNL’s 4G service would be available across Tamil Nadu by June 2024 while neighbouring Kerala, which contributes to major chunk of BSNL’s revenue, would get the BSNL’s statewide 4G service much before this deadline.

 “Since just a domestically-prepared software upgradation will allow the BSNL to upgrade its 4G service to 5G, the service we’re going to provide 5G service also shortly after the 4G launch with superior quality,” said the official.

 Along with the installation of the 4G equipment and software, the BSNL has planned to identify the ‘patch areas’ during the trial for rectifying any deficiency in service. The installation of new signal transmission towers in addition to existing towers was going on to cover every nook and corner of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts. In Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts, having 526 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), has planned to add 50 more BTS to strengthen the forthcoming 4G service.

 Since the non-availability of powerful batteries or diesel generators in the BTS of BSNL is the prime reason for the glitches in signal transmission during scheduled and undeclared power cuts, batteries with the capacity of 3,000 Amp-hours (Ah) are being provided now.

 While the 3G services of BSNL would be scrapped immediately after the launching of 4G services, the official communicator has decided to continue the 2G services.