BSNL users may need a 5G phone to get 4G services

BSNL users looking forward to the launch of 4G services by the operator may end up with a strange dilemma – they may need to buy a 5G handset to use 4G services.

This is because BSNL is using two spectrum bands for launching its 4G services – 2,100 MHz and 700 MHz. While 2,100 MHz is used for 4G services, the 700 MHz band is a 5G band. The government has allocated the 700 MHz band to BSNL for 4G services currently, which the operator can use for 5G once it is ready for that launch. Further, using only 2100 MHz band for 4G will not be enough for coverage and capacity.