BSNL Introduces eSIM Service in India, Enhances 4G and 5G Network Expansion Programs.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has also officially introduced eSIM (embedded SIM) services in India in a major step towards modernizing its telecom infrastructure and making it much easier to use. Such a step does not only bring BSNL in line with the trends in telecom globally, but it also emphasizes the intentions of the state-owned operator to become digital and connect the whole country. Combined with the ambitious strategies to expand its coverage of 4G and prepare to roll out 5G, the eSIM implementation of BSNL will be a landmark event in the Indian telecommunication sector.
What is eSIM and What Is its Significance?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that enables the user to enable a mobile plan without having to carry a physical SIM card. Contrary to the conventional plastic SIMs that need to be fitted into a gadget, eSIMs are installed in the smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and other devices during their production. A user can remotely change a carrier or plan by just downloading a new profile- getting rid of the inconvenience of going to a store, wait to be delivered physical cards or change cards.
To a consumer, eSIMs are more flexible particularly to a high-travelling consumer and dual-SIM devices. Telecom operators such as BSNL have to deal with eSIMs that lower logistical expenses, simplify customer acquisition, and enable the expanding ecosystem of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
BSNL eSIM Rollout: Strategic Jump
eSIM service of BSNL is currently offered to new and existing customers in India. Activation process is simple: people can go to a customer service center of BSNL or use My BSNL application and order the provisioning of an eSIM. After this, a QR code is created and the user scans it to download the eSIM profile onto their compatible phone.
The release is timed with the smartphone market in India being slowly adopting eSIM technology. Apple, Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers have already introduced flagship devices with eSIM capability and the Indian regulator has been urging the telecom companies to invest in the technology in a bid to enhance service delivery and limit fraud related to physical SIM cards.
The introduction of eSIM services by BSNL also puts on par with other players in the industry including Airtel and Reliance Jio, both of which began implementing eSIM services a few years ago. With its provision of eSIM, BSNL can maintain the current customer base and attract more tech-savvy users and corporate clients in need of a hasslement-free connection.
Bolstering 4G Expansion and 5G Readiness
eSIM introduction is not the only part of the digital transformation of BSNL. All the company is doing is to proactively increase its 4G network coverage especially in rural and remote regions where it has a minimal coverage by private operators. Using spectrum in 700 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2500 MHz, which it has purchased at the 2022 spectrum auction, BSNL plans to offer high-speed internet to underserved areas, as this is its mandate as a public service provider.
In addition, BSNL is preparing the 5G. Although the operator is yet to roll out commercial-level 5G services, it is running tests in some urban areas and partnering with local technology developers, such as C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), to develop domestic 5G stack solutions. The self-reliant (self-sufficient) model (Atmanirbhar) is in line with the Indian government effort of developing self-reliant telecom infrastructure and decreases reliance on external suppliers.
Notably, the eSIM technology has the ability to work with 5G networks, which is naturally compatible. BSNL is in the process of moving on to the next-generation connectivity, and since it is also an eSIM-ready carrier, a base of eSIM-ready subscribers will enable easier integration of 5G services once they become available. More advanced applications like network slicing, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (which are essential pillars of 5G enterprise applications) are also supported by the digital SIM.
Future Problems and Strengths
In spite of the bright prospects, BSNL has its troubles. In the recent years, its competitiveness has been hampered due to its historical financial viability problems, slow bureaucracy, and old infrastructure. Nevertheless, new government aid such as a Rs. 1.64 lakh crore revival package and strategic alliances with companies such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to develop 4G/5G core network development are an indication of a new effort to rescue the company.
Another challenge is consumer awareness. Most Indians particularly in semi urban and rural regions are not conversant with eSIM technology. To encourage adoption, BSNL will have to invest in education, and make the onboarding process as easy as possible.
However, there are large opportunities. As the number of users of feature phones in India is projected to be more than 600 million who will upgrade to smartphones in the next few years, the affordable offerings of BSNL along with some of the latest features such as eSIM may gain a large market share. Also, the eSIM platform creates opportunities to provide BSNL with bundled services; the development of IoT services in agriculture, healthcare and smart utilities, based on its presence in all parts of India.
A new dawn in the Indian Telecom
The introduction of eSIM by BSNL is not only a technological change, but it also represents the changing Indian digital identity. Through innovation but adhering to its mission of serving society, BSNL is not only making itself a legacy operator, but a futuristic facilitator of digital inclusion.
With India driving towards a 5G future and a society that will be hyper-connected, the introduction of eSIM, 4G diversification, and indigenous 5G development in BSNL could be critical in making sure that no citizen is left behind as a result of the digital revolution. This might translate into faster internet, smarter phones and devices, and easy access to digital services, all at the hands of a homegrown telecom giant that is emerging to cater to the needs of the 21 st century in the mind of millions of Indians, particularly in the rural communities.
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