India’s largest Public Sector Unit, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) plans to launch advanced broadband technologies like G.fast and Vectored VDSL which offers 1Gbps of high speed data to its esteemed customers with existing copper cable network.
The PSU has started showing signs of revival with its unique and innovative initiatives taken by BSNL. Some of these initiatives include Free Night calling from BSNL landline to all networks, Free Roaming for BSNL Mobile customers, laying special emphasis on mobile data growth and increasing the minimum broadband bandwidth to 2 Mbps etc.
In wired broadband segment BSNL stands tall as the largest service provider offering array of broadband services at the most affordable prices. BSNL is also in the process of replacing its legacy networks with state-of-the-art modern technologies, which would provide BSNL necessary edge in terms of capacity and next generation features such as IP Centrex, Multimedia Video Calling, Fixed Mobile Convergence etc.
Advanced broadband technologies like G.fast and Vectored VDSL are being introduced in broadband segment. These technologies can provide 1Gpbs of high speed data on copper at short lengths in an attempt to utilize its existing copper network to the maximum extent. For this, BSNL may use nearest BSNL locations like GSM BTS sites etc for installation of broadband DSLAM.
To compete with private operators rolling out their 4G networks, BSNL has an ambitious plan for roll out of 2500 WiFi hotspots during current financial year at major tourist locations and important public places. 450 such hotspots have already been put in place. BSNL is also in advanced stages of its WiFi-Offload initiative allowing seamless mobility between WiFi Hotspot and mobile network.
In Mobile Segment, BSNL is in the process of replacing its old Mobile Network with latest 3GPP release complaint equipment. BSNL is also adding 3G & 2G BTSs to strengthen its network and widen its reach. High capacilty and feature rich data nodes, IN systems, Messaging systems, OBD systems have been introduced into the Mobile Network. BSNL is also in talks with private operators for Intra Circle Roaming arrangements, which would enable BSNL optimize its under utilized resources and also help tap new uncovered territories where BSNL coverage is not present or not adequate.
The revenue from Mobile Services has also started growing which is yet another sign of revival. The growth of data in mobile segment has been unprecedented and is increasing 50-60% on year to year basis. BSNL clocked more than 250TB of data in a single day in the month of October with data STV revenue being more than 100 crores in a month. More than 70 percent of BSNL nodes are connected over OFC (Optical Fiber Cables) transmission media which gives an edge over most of the other operators.
Also for the first time since the introduction of MNP, BSNL has turned net positive, wherein more customers are joining BSNL family as compared to the porting out customers showing renewed faith of customers on BSNL services.
Dear readers, please share your views and opinions about this encouraging news from BSNL CMD Sri. Anupam Shrivastava via comments with us.
