BSNL 4G is available! Still, no signal on your phone? But this is the reason..!
India’s state-owned telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has expanded its 4G network in many regions and major cities across the country. While this upgrade is an important step forward for BSNL, many customers in areas where 4G is available are reporting a lack of 4G signal on their phones. This issue has been identified mainly in several aspects related to spectrum allocation and smartphone compatibility. Here’s a detailed look at the reasons behind this issue and what users need to know about BSNL’s 4G services.
BSNL’s 4G Expansion Plan
BSNL is all set to launch its 4G services in the country. To improve signal quality and network strength, the company is installing new 4G towers in its mobile network circles. The ambitious goal is to install nearly 100,000 mobile towers to support the 4G network by the end of October. As part of this effort, BSNL plans to install 75,000 new towers by the end of the current month and has already installed 25,000 towers at various locations. However, despite this expansion, some users are still facing difficulties in accessing the BSNL 4G network.
Spectrum allocation and its impact
One of the main reasons for the connectivity issues is related to the spectrum bands allocated for BSNL 4G services. The Department of Telecom has allocated two spectrum bands to BSNL: 700MHz and 2100MHz. BSNL is implementing its 4G network using these bands. However, each one comes with its limitations:
- 2100MHz band:
- The 2100MHz band has limited capacity, which means it only supports a limited number of users at a time. This bottleneck can lead to connection issues when many users are trying to access the network simultaneously, resulting in some users not being able to connect to BSNL’s 4G network.
- 700MHz band:
- The 700MHz band is primarily meant for 5G services but has been allocated to BSNL for both 4G and 5G. However, the market for devices supporting the 700MHz band for 4G and 5G services is not fully developed. This lack of compatibility with existing smartphones is a significant obstacle that prevents many users from accessing the 4G network even in inaccessible areas.
Smartphone compatibility issues
The main reason for the lack of a 4G signal for some users is the compatibility of their smartphones with the spectrum bands used by BSNL. Currently, only a few mobile devices in the market are compatible with the 700MHz spectrum band, which is key to connecting to BSNL’s 4G network. This problem is especially seen with older 4G smartphones that don’t support the 700MHz or B28 bands. As a result, even though BSNL 4G services are active in some areas, users with incompatible phones will not be able to receive the signal.
Actions to solve the problem
To address this compatibility issue, the Department of Telecom and the Ministry have issued advisories to smartphone manufacturers. These advisories require companies to ensure that their devices, especially newer models, support the 700MHz band. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that future 4G smartphones are compatible with BSNL’s 4G network, thereby reducing connectivity issues for customers.
Implications for current and future users
For existing BSNL customers facing signal issues, the problem could be due to their smartphones not supporting the required frequency bands. Customers with older 4G models or devices that do not support the 700MHz band may not be able to connect to BSNL’s 4G network. At the same time, customers who have new 5G model smartphones should be able to use BSNL 4G normally, provided their devices support the respective bands.
What users can do?
If BSNL 4G is available in your area but you don’t receive a signal, the first step is to check your smartphone’s specifications to see if your smartphone supports the 700MHz or B28 band. If your device does not support these bands, it may be necessary to upgrade to a smartphone compatible with the BSNL network. If you want to use BSNL services, it is advisable to verify this compatibility before buying a new phone.
BSNL is the way forward for 4G
BSNL’s efforts to expand its 4G network across India represent a major push towards providing better connectivity to its customers. By the end of October, the company aims to complete the installation of 100,000 towers, significantly increasing its network strength. However, the full potential of this upgrade can only be realized if users have compatible devices that can connect to the new network.
Consumers are the way forward
BSNL’s 4G rollout is a positive development for India’s telecommunications landscape, providing improved connectivity and faster internet speeds. However, the challenge of smartphone compatibility with the 700MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands is that not all users will immediately benefit from this upgrade. By addressing this issue through advisories to smartphone manufacturers and raising user awareness about device compatibility, BSNL is taking steps to ensure a smooth transition for its customers. Customers facing 4G signal issues should verify the compatibility of their device and consider upgrading to ensure that they can take full advantage of BSNL’s 4G services.