BSNL 4G: Now or never

 NEW DELHI: The much-awaited commercial foray of next generation (4G) network of state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is yet to take off. Hiccups continue. Deployment seems distant. What's it waiting for? August! The telco's ambitious next generation network launch next month is prophesied, talked about and much hyped already.

Going to the hind side. It was 2015. For the first time, the public sector carrier sought airwaves to keep its subscribers abreast in a fast-evolving data network scheme, even a year ahead of the private sector rival Jio's freebies-backed 4G foray in September 2016. Now, after 2,400 days since its intent, has the situation changed?

Yes, albeit at a snail pace.

While telco's commercial network is poised to become a reality, the appetite of data-hungry subscribers continues to outdo. The innumerable gigabyte era is in. The state-controlled operator's subscribers are no exception. It's high time for telco to unveil data-centric network services before it gets too late, to entice subscribers.

In a development, pursued and closely watched by telecom department (DoT) in line with Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India, the procurement strategy of BSNL sees a drastic shift from a multinational-oriented approach to homegrown reliance mandating a desi or local core equipment.

BSNL, on its part, didn't want to leave any stone unturned. L&T, Tech Mahindra and HFCL were in fray. Now, it was the time to deploy a proof-of-concept to demonstrate technological proveness of a multi-party telecom gear yet to be deployed commercially anywhere.

Here comes in, Tata Consultancy Services, fondly known as TCS, India's ace conglomerate Tata group's information technology (IT) subsidiary.

Mumbai-based TCS together with state-owned telecom research and technology provider Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), shortlisted by BSNL to provide radio access network and locally-designed and developed core equipment.

However, the price stalemate between TCS and the state-owned telecom services company continues to be a headache for the telecom department even to this day.

If whispers are to be believed then the department is considering allowing BSNL to place gear order for as many as 100,000 sites, in addition to the gear for 12,400 locations already awarded, to break the price deadlock with the Tata group company.

So, the progress is on. Of the few critical tests, most are now closed with a satisfactory outcome concerning operations and performance of the core and radio access network. The final leg of technical assurance, conforming to the evolving data throughput needs, is likely to be concluded in a few weeks. BSNL's 4G commercial network is set to see light of the day for which millions of its loyal subscribers are yearning for.

The already-intensified competition in the low average revenue per user (ARPU) operations may pose a challenge for state-owned telecom service provider unless it quickly moves and scales up to the fifth generation or 5G network to catch up with the private sector rivals such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi), and to augment its enterprise business.

India's telecom research organisation C-DoT has a plan though. While the firm bats for a 4G+ network at the inception, it wants to scale it to 5G standalone (SA) before the end of 2022, and to 5G non standalone (NSA) network by next year.

The tug-of-war for a consumer business is set to see a new high once BSNL enters into the arena, while its semi-urban and rural India bastion is set to further consolidate. The telco, however, also currently runs and maintains Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) network in Delhi and Mumbai metropolitans.

Let's see if August brings in something to cheer for BSNL.