Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited temporarily closes its premium 700 MHz band in some areas, impacting BSNL’s 4G services. Learn about the reasons behind this decision and its implications for users.
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BSNL’s 4G Network Faces Temporary Shutdown in Select Areas
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecom operators, is set to temporarily shut down its 4G services in certain areas of the country. This unexpected move has raised questions among users and industry experts alike. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this decision and its potential impact on BSNL’s subscribers.
The Premium 700 MHz Band
At the heart of this issue lies BSNL’s premium 700 MHz frequency band. This band is considered highly valuable in the telecom industry due to its superior coverage capabilities. In fact, only two companies in India possess this coveted spectrum: BSNL and Reliance Jio.
The 700 MHz band offers significant advantages:
- Extended coverage range
- Better indoor penetration
- Reduced number of towers required for network deployment
Given these benefits, it’s natural to wonder why BSNL would consider shutting down this premium band, even temporarily.
BSNL’s Indigenous 4G Approach
To understand the current situation, we need to look at BSNL’s unique approach to 4G deployment. Unlike other telecom operators, they aimed to launch its 4G services using an indigenous or “swadeshi” approach. This means that the entire 4G network infrastructure, including hardware and software components, would be developed and manufactured within India.
They partnered with several Indian companies for this initiative:
The goal was to create a 4G network that was truly “Made in India,” free from dependence on foreign technology providers.
The Compatibility Challenge
Despite the noble intentions behind Thier indigenous 4G approach, a significant challenge has emerged: device compatibility.
Pre-2021 4G Devices
A large number of 4G smartphones in use across India, particularly those manufactured before 2021, do not support the 700 MHz band used by them. This creates a substantial barrier for BSNL in reaching a significant portion of its potential user base.
Post-2021 Devices
Even among newer devices, support for the 700 MHz band is not universal. Many budget and mid-range smartphones, which make up a large share of the Indian market, lack compatibility with this frequency.
The 5G Factor
As India moves towards 5G adoption, the compatibility issue extends to next-generation devices as well:
- Budget 5G phones (priced under ₹25,000-30,000) typically don’t support the 700 MHz band
- Only higher-end 5G devices offer compatibility with this frequency
Considering that a majority of Indian consumers opt for more affordable smartphones, this presents a significant challenge for BSNL’s long-term strategy.
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BSNL’s Dilemma
BSNL finds itself in a difficult position:
- It has invested in premium spectrum that offers excellent coverage
- A large portion of its target market uses devices incompatible with this spectrum
- As a government-owned company, their aims to provide affordable services to a wide range of users
Faced with these conflicting factors, BSNL has made the decision to temporarily shut down its 700 MHz band in certain areas.
The Temporary Shutdown Plan
BSNL’s strategy to address this issue involves the following steps:
- Temporarily closing the 700 MHz band in select areas
- Continuing 4G services using the 2100 MHz band
- Planning to reintroduce the 700 MHz band when launching 5G services
This approach allows them to maintain its 4G offerings while adapting to the current device ecosystem in the Indian market.
Impact on 4G Services
It’s important to note that this temporary shutdown of the 700 MHz band does not mean a complete cessation of BSNL’s 4G services. The company will continue to provide 4G connectivity using the 2100 MHz band.
However, users in areas where BSNL initially launched 4G using the 700 MHz band may experience some changes:
- Possible reduction in coverage area
- Potential decrease in indoor signal strength
- Slight variations in data speeds
BSNL assures that these changes will be temporary, lasting approximately two months.
The Road to 5G
Their decision to temporarily shut down the 700 MHz band is also tied to its future 5G plans. The company has announced its intention to launch 5G services by June 2025, just a few months from now.
When BSNL rolls out its 5G network, it plans to reintegrate the 700 MHz band into its spectrum portfolio. This band is expected to play a crucial role in providing widespread 5G coverage, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Comparing with Other Operators
It’s worth noting that Reliance Jio, the only other operator with access to the 700 MHz band, is actively using this frequency for its 5G deployment. Jio’s approach differs from BSNL’s in that it didn’t face the same compatibility issues with its existing 4G network.
Other major operators like Airtel and Vodafone Idea are deploying 5G using different frequency bands, each with its own set of advantages and limitations.
The Broader Context of Indian Telecom
BSNL’s decision to temporarily shut down its 700 MHz band highlights some of the unique challenges faced by telecom operators in India:
- Diverse Device Ecosystem: The Indian smartphone market is highly fragmented, with devices across various price points and capabilities.
- Price Sensitivity: A large portion of Indian consumers prioritize affordability, which impacts the adoption of high-end devices that support all frequency bands.
- Rapid Technological Evolution: The quick transition from 4G to 5G requires operators to make strategic decisions about spectrum utilization.
- Government Initiatives: As a state-owned company, BSNL must balance commercial interests with national objectives, such as promoting indigenous technology.
Potential Benefits of the Temporary Shutdown
While the shutdown may cause short-term inconvenience for some users, it could yield several benefits:
- Resource Optimization: By focusing on the more widely compatible 2100 MHz band, BSNL can optimize its network resources.
- Preparation for 5G: This period allows BSNL to refine its strategy for 5G deployment using the 700 MHz band.
- Cost Efficiency: Temporarily shutting down underutilized spectrum can help reduce operational costs.
- Improved User Experience: Concentrating on a single band may lead to more consistent service quality for the majority of users.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, this decision raises some concerns:
- Coverage Gaps: Some areas may experience reduced coverage during the transition.
- Customer Perception: Frequent changes in network configuration may impact user confidence.
- Competitive Disadvantage: Other operators continuing to use their full spectrum may gain a temporary edge.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The decision may attract attention from telecom regulators regarding spectrum utilization.
The Future of BSNL’s 4G and 5G Services
Looking ahead, BSNL’s strategy for 4G and 5G deployment will likely involve:
- Phased 5G Rollout: Starting with urban centers and gradually expanding to other areas.
- Dual-Band Approach: Utilizing both 2100 MHz and 700 MHz bands for comprehensive coverage.
- Indigenous Technology Push: Continuing to promote and refine India-developed telecom solutions.
- Device Ecosystem Development: Collaborating with smartphone manufacturers to increase support for the 700 MHz band.
Implications for Users
BSNL subscribers should be aware of the following:
- Service Continuity: 4G services will continue, albeit with possible changes in some areas.
- Device Compatibility: Users with 700 MHz compatible devices may notice changes in network performance.
- Future-Proofing: When purchasing new devices, considering support for the 700 MHz band may be beneficial for future 5G use.
- Temporary Nature: Any service impacts are expected to be short-lived as BSNL prepares for its 5G launch.
Conclusion
BSNL’s decision to temporarily shut down its 700 MHz band in certain areas represents a strategic move in the face of complex market dynamics. While it may cause some short-term disruptions, it appears to be a calculated step towards optimizing current services and preparing for future 5G deployment.
As the Indian telecom market continues to evolve rapidly, such adaptive strategies may become increasingly common among operators striving to balance technological advancement, market realities, and user needs.
For BSNL users and industry observers alike, the coming months will be crucial in determining the success of this approach and its impact on the company’s position in India’s competitive telecom landscape.
As we move closer to BSNL’s anticipated 5G launch in June 2025, all eyes will be on how the company leverages its spectrum assets, including the reintegration of the 700 MHz band, to deliver next-generation services to its vast user base across India.
Image Credit: BSNL