BSNL is set to introduce a 4G and 5G-compatible universal SIM platform that will have no geographical limitations.
New Delhi [India], August 10: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to launch a 4G and 5G-ready SIM platform soon, as highlighted by the Department of Telecommunications on Saturday.
In a social media post, the department mentioned that the introduction of 4G and 5G services will allow users to select their mobile numbers and replace SIMs without being restricted by geography.
"State-run telecom company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd will launch a 4G and 5G-compatible over-the-air (OTA) and Universal SIM (USIM) platform, enabling subscribers to choose their mobile numbers and replace SIMs without geographical restrictions," the Telecommunications Department announced on 'X'.
Last year, the Union Cabinet, led by PM Narendra Modi, approved the third revival package for BSNL, with a total allocation of Rs 89,047 crore. The government stated that this initiative is part of the broader strategy to revive BSNL.
The revival package includes the allocation of 4G/5G spectrum to BSNL through equity infusion. Additionally, the government raised BSNL's authorized capital from Rs 1,50,000 crore to Rs 2,10,000 crore.
BSNL, the state-owned telecom provider, has been facing a debt crisis, and the Government of India has provided three revival packages to date.
The first revival package for BSNL/MTNL was approved in 2019, amounting to Rs 69,000 crore, which brought stability to BSNL/MTNL. In 2022, the government approved the second revival package for BSNL/MTNL, amounting to Rs 1.64 lakh crore, which provided financial support for capital expenditure, viability gap funding for rural landlines, financial assistance for de-stressing the balance sheet, settlement of AGR dues, and the merger of BBNL with BSNL, among other measures.
As a result of these packages, BSNL has been generating operating profits since FY 2021-22. The total debt of BSNL has decreased from Rs 32,944 crore to Rs 22,289 crore.