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Technology Desk: Government telecom company BSNL is rapidly preparing to launch 5G service for its customers. According to the company's plan, customers in the country can start experiencing BSNL 5G by December 2026. In such a situation, this is a big update for BSNL customers who have been waiting for a better and faster network with cheap recharge for a long time.

BSNL 5G service may start by December 2026

According to the report, BSNL has set December 2026 as the deadline for the rollout of its 5G services. BSNL Kerala Chief General Manager R. Saji Kumar shared information to the company's 5G preparations in a press conference.

He said that the existing 4G network of BSNL has been designed in such a way that it is relatively easy to upgrade it to 5G technology in future. The company's 4G ecosystem is built 5G-ready, so the transition from 4G to 5G may not require major hardware changes.

Preparing to go to 5G just by software upgrade

A special feature of BSNL's 5G strategy is that to upgrade the existing 4G network to 5G, mainly software upgrade can be used. The company has also started testing the 5G network developed with indigenous technology.

However, BSNL first wants to completely stabilize and strengthen its 4G network. The company's focus is on ensuring that existing customers get better coverage and stable connectivity. After this, the 5G network will be expanded on a large scale.

About 7,200 4G towers in Kerala

There are approximately 86 lakh mobile customers in BSNL Kerala circle. The company has about 7,200 4G mobile towers in this circle. Due to the network being ready for 5G technology, these towers can be upgraded for 5G service in the future.

This means that BSNL will not need to install new towers everywhere to start 5G. Where existing network infrastructure is suitable, 5G service can be expanded through upgrades.

Preparation to install 26,300 new mobile towers across the country

BSNL is not focusing only on 5G. The company is also working on a large scale to strengthen its 4G network across the country. Under this, about 26,300 new mobile towers are being installed.

Through these new towers, efforts are being made to improve mobile connectivity in those areas where the network coverage is currently weak. Strong 4G infrastructure may also prove crucial for BSNL's 5G expansion in the future.

Focus on rural and remote areas also

BSNL is also working towards increasing network reach in rural and remote areas. According to the information, 323 new towers will be installed to improve connectivity in remote areas of the state. Apart from this, there is a plan to install 37 new mobile towers in Lakshadweep also. This can help improve mobile and internet connectivity in areas where private telecom companies have limited presence or coverage.

Network's enhanced IMS system

BSNL has also increased the capacity of its IMS i.e. IP Multimedia Subsystem. IMS plays a vital role in handling voice and other multimedia services over the network. According to the company, the capacity of the system has been increased considering the peak load time on the network. For example, this will help in handling the high traffic on the network between 11 am and 12 noon.

Preparations for 5G launch in Andhra Pradesh also

An important update has also come out from Andhra Pradesh regarding BSNL's 5G plan. According to a report by The Hindu, BSNL is planning to launch 5G services in Andhra Pradesh circle within the next 5 to 6 months. BSNL Andhra Pradesh Circle Chief General Manager M. Seshachalam informed about the company's plan in a press conference. He said that the initial testing results of the 5G network have been positive and the company is optimistic about starting the services as per the plan.

About 6,850 4G towers in Andhra Pradesh

BSNL has around 6,850 4G towers and around 15,000 BTS in Andhra Pradesh. At the national level, the company is reported to have about 1 lakh 4G towers. Under the government's saturation project, work is also going on to extend mobile network to remote villages. In Andhra Pradesh, 1,359 special towers have been installed to connect 2,641 remote villages with 4G connectivity. In this way, on one hand, BSNL is expanding its existing 4G network, while on the other hand, it is also preparing infrastructure for the future 5G network.

The scope of BSNL services is also increasing

BSNL preparation is not limited to mobile networks only. The company is also working on expanding its business in areas like satellite phones, entertainment TV, e-SIM and enterprise services.

The company is also moving towards providing franchise and partnership opportunities to the youth. With this, efforts are being made to expand the services of BSNL at the local level and create self-employment opportunities for the youth.

What will change for customers?

If BSNL's 5G rollout progresses as planned, customers may benefit from faster mobile internet and better network capacity in the future. Especially in areas where BSNL is expanding its 4G network and new towers, improvement in connectivity can be seen.

At present, the primary focus of BSNL is on strengthening the 4G network, installing new towers and testing 5G technology. According to the company's current timeline, December 2026 could be an important time for BSNL's 5G rollout.