BSNL launches beta 4G services in Amritsar

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Saturday launched its much-awaited 4G services in Amritsar, Punjab under a beta phase. The telecom operator will also distribute prepaid SIMs to gather feedback about the quality of its network.

“The successful Proof of Concept (PoC) of the Indian 4G stack equipment has been completed across 200 live 4G network sites in Firzozepur, Pathankot, and Amritsar cities of Punjab. In a significant development, BSNL has conducted the beta launch of its 4G services in Amritsar on July 15,” BSNL said in an official statement.

The telco’s 4G network was launched in the presence of PK Purwar, CMD, BSNL, Director (CM) of BSNL, COO of Tata Consultancy Services N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, C-DoT CEO RK Upadhyay, CGM Punjab, and senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and BSNL, as per the statement.

Purwar said that through the large-scale deployment of the indigenous 4G telecom stack, BSNL will regain a “substantial market share and reclaim its past glory”, according to the statement.

Sandeep Govil, Director (Consumer Mobility) at BSNL said that the telecom company has placed purchase orders with TCS and ITI Limited for 1 lakh 4G sites across India.

“This significant investment paves the way for BSNL to deliver world-class services to its customers, on par with offerings by incumbents,” Govil said.

According to the statement, BSNL will deploy these sites in Delhi, Mumbai, as well as, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, remote and rural areas, and unconnected regions.

In May, BSNL had placed an advance purchase order (APO) of over Rs 15,000 crore with TCS and ITI for 1 lakh 4G sites. Of the total, ITI will deploy 20% of sites.

BSNL expects a 20% increase in its revenue following the mass availability of its 4G services in the country.