BSNL’s 4G Is Official. What changed?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched BSNL’s nationwide 4G network—a “swadeshi” stack powered by C-DoT core, Tejas RAN, and TCS as systems integrator. Translation: the radios, core, and integration are made-in-India and upgradable to 5G when BSNL decides to pull that lever.
Scale matters, and BSNL didn’t tiptoe in. The rollout commissioned ~97,500–98,000 4G sites, with a stated push to connect tens of thousands of rural villages that were hanging by a thread on connectivity. Early state rollouts (like Rajasthan’s 5,655 sites) give a hint of the footprint.
Why this is a big deal for you and me: rural coverage usually arrives last. This time, rural and border regions are explicitly part of the first wave, which should mean fewer “no signal, try again later” moments in places that have lived with them for years.
Plans: Unlimited calls, daily data—and OTT in the mix
BSNL’s opening salvo is simple: keep pricing sane and benefits obvious.
• ₹485 / 72 days: Unlimited calls, 2GB/day data, 100 SMS/day. Many outlets are calling this the “digital power” plan.
• ₹225 / 30 days (revived as prepaid): Unlimited calls, 2.5GB/day, 100 SMS/day.
• There are other long-validity packs (₹599/84 days at 3GB/day, ₹2,399/365 days at 2GB/day), if you like recharging and forgetting.
Now the fun part: OTT/Live TV. BSNL is bundling BiTV, its content layer, either as limited-period free access with select plans or as a paid add-on. The BiTV Premium Pack (₹151/month) claims 25+ OTT apps and 450+ live TV channels on one subscription. For heavy streamers on a budget, this is basically “DTH-without-the-dish.”
What about speeds and reliability?
Let’s be real. Launch day hype is easy; consistent speeds are harder. The good news is that BSNL’s stack is 5G-upgradable, and the network is being rolled out with new sites and backhaul, not just software patches on old gear. Expect the experience to improve circle by circle as the radio grid densifies and fiber backhaul catches up.
Digital inclusion: more than a talking point
India’s telecom success story has a blind spot—the last 10 km. That’s where students climb rooftops for a signal and small businesses lose UPI payments mid-transaction. BSNL’s mandate squarely targets that gap. Government messaging around the launch repeatedly emphasized rural connectivity and BharatNet alignment, with claims of tens of thousands of villages gaining dependable 4G. If even a fraction of that sticks, it’s impact you can feel in everyday life—school portals that load, telemedicine that doesn’t buffer, UPI that just works. (The Times of India)
Should you switch?
If you’re in a Tier-2/3 town or a rural belt, BSNL’s new 4G is worth testing—especially if your current operator ghosts you at home. The ₹225–₹485 plans make for a low-risk trial, and BiTV can replace a couple of OTT subs if you’re counting rupees. In metros, it’s a tougher call—you’ll want to compare actual speeds in your neighborhood before porting your primary number. (Pro tip: run a week of side-by-side tests with a secondary SIM.)
Bottom line: BSNL’s re-entry is less about beating Jio/Airtel at their own game and more about fixing the parts of India they don’t prioritise. That’s a win for everyone.