BSNL 4G challenges DoT monitoring

BSNL’s Path to 4G: Overcoming Challenges with DoT’s New Monitoring Initiative

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is taking significant steps to accelerate BSNL’s 4G rollout by forming a Performance Monitoring Unit (PMU). Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced this strategic move on Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for the state-run telco as it strives to catch up with private sector competitors.

Formation of the PMU

“Along with Tejas, BSNL, TCS, and C-DOT, and all our players together, we are forming a PMU. I have mandated them to set daily targets, which will be monitored by myself and the Telecom Secretary,” Scindia said.

The PMU is designed to ensure that daily progress is meticulously tracked and that any operational hurdles are swiftly addressed. This initiative reflects a hands-on approach by the DoT, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to the rollout process.

The Journey to 4G

BSNL’s journey to launch 4G services has been fraught with delays, placing it behind private telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, who rolled out their 4G services years ago. Consequently, BSNL’s customer base has dwindled as users migrating from 2G to 4G opted for other providers.

Last year, the BSNL board and a group of ministers approved a Rs 24,500 crore contract with a TCS-led consortium, including C-DOT and Tejas Networks, to supply 4G equipment for 100,000 new telecom towers. This contract covers network gear worth approximately Rs 13,000 crore and a 10-year annual maintenance contract (AMC).

Overcoming Operational Challenges

Despite these plans, BSNL has faced numerous operational challenges. Initially, BSNL officials projected December 2023 as the target date for launching 4G services, which was later pushed to June 2024. To expedite the process, BSNL issued an advance purchase order worth around Rs 19,000 crore to TCS and government-run ITI Limited last June.

Support for Startups and SMEs

In a bid to foster innovation and support smaller enterprises, Minister Scindia announced a new DoT-run testing and reimbursement scheme for startups, micro, and small enterprises. With a total outlay of Rs 25 crore, this scheme will provide financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh per startup or MSE.

The scheme offers reimbursement of up to 75% for startups, 60% for micro-enterprises, and 50% for small enterprises. Funded by the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), this initiative aims to stimulate technological advancements and reduce reliance on imports for telecom equipment.

Previous and Upcoming Initiatives

Last month, the DoT announced two more proposals under the TTDF umbrella: the 5G Intelligent Village program and the Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA).BSNL 4G challenges DoT monitoring.Both initiatives aim to drive innovation and technological progress in India’s telecom sector.

Thursday’s announcement was made at an industry event for the upcoming India Mobile Congress (IMC). Scindia highlighted India’s rapid growth in the communications market, noting that the country is poised to host two major events in 2024 – IMC 2024 and the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024.

Looking Forward

The latest edition of the annual IMC is expected to feature around 400 exhibitors, 1000 startups, and 150,000 attendees from 120 countries. Scindia also emphasized India’s ambition to secure 127 key patents for 6G technology, underscoring the nation’s commitment to leading the next wave of telecom innovation.

Conclusion

The formation of the PMU for BSNL’s 4G rollout signifies a strategic effort by the DoT to bring efficiency and accountability to the process. With robust support systems in place and a clear roadmap, BSNL is poised to overcome past challenges and make significant strides in the telecom sector.BSNL 4G challenges DoT monitoring. As the nation looks forward to the IMC 2024 and further technological advancements, India’s position in the global communications market continues to strengthen.

FAQS:

Q1: What is the Performance Monitoring Unit (PMU) formed by the DoT?

A1: The PMU is a unit formed by the Department of Telecommunications to oversee and accelerate BSNL’s 4G rollout. It includes key players like Tejas, BSNL, TCS, and C-DOT, and sets daily targets to be monitored by the Telecom Minister and the Telecom Secretary.

Q2: Why has BSNL faced delays in launching its 4G services?

A2: BSNL’s 4G rollout has been delayed due to various operational challenges, including procurement and deployment of equipment. Initial target dates have been pushed back multiple times, with the current target set for June 2024.

Q3: What steps has BSNL taken to expedite its 4G rollout?

A3: BSNL has issued an advance purchase order worth approximately Rs 19,000 crore to TCS and ITI Limited. Additionally, a Rs 24,500 crore contract was approved for a TCS-led consortium to supply 4G equipment for 100,000 new telecom towers.

Q4: How is the DoT supporting startups and small enterprises in the telecom sector?

A4: The DoT has introduced a testing and reimbursement scheme for startups, micro, and small enterprises, with financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh per entity. The scheme reimburses up to 75% for startups, 60% for micro-enterprises, and 50% for small enterprises.

Q5: What are some upcoming initiatives by the DoT to drive innovation in the telecom sector?

A5: The DoT has announced initiatives like the 5G Intelligent Village program and the Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA). These are aimed at fostering innovation and technological progress in India’s telecom sector, and are part of the broader Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) efforts.