BSNL issuing 4G SIM cards to those porting in – 4G services incoming?

BSNL’s 4G services could now be coming earlier than expected. This is because the government-led telco has started issuing 4G SIM-cards to subscribers porting n to its network, from other networks. If such port-in subscribers use 4G smartphones, then it is obviously possible to access 4G services from BSNL, once this goes live, within such handsets. Check this out now.  

BSNL 4G soon, everywhere?

The above element adds to loyalists’ and general smartphone users’ expectations about getting to use BSNL 4G services in India. Now, the telco could be launching full-fledged 4G services, even complete with VoLTE calling functionality. This is as per newer reports, which states that BSNL would acquire 4G spectrum soon. Also, there are talks, amongst loyalists, about the current-gen 3G services being replaced with effective 4G services. But, if they're to go true, then what about the rural telecom circles where BSNL is still a prominent player, with respect to 2G/3G coverage.  

Most probably, there could be 4G-compatible feature phones, to substitute in scenarios as described above. However, BSNL could still continue 2g/3G services in areas of dominance (based on number of users using these services) and not phase them out immediately.  Nonetheless, BSNL 4G SIM cards being handed out to customers porting in from other operators represents the fact that the 4G services (full-fledged) could be almost near launch or could have launched silently in certain telecom circles.  

At this juncture, it is worth remembering that some operators such as Reliance Jio have announced that they would charge their users 6 paise per minute as Interconnect Usage Charge (IUC) for outgoing calls made to other non-Jio networks. Jio-Jio calls would still remain free. The telco stated that it would compensate such customers with extra data offering. It has also announced a host of IUC-specific plans. Click here to check these out. Now, with IUC also coming to picture, would this be the right time for BSNL to strike with 4G services? What do you think? 

Also Read: Vodafone Reiterates It Wont Add IUC To Unlimited Outgoing Calls

Also Read: After Jio’s new 6 Paise IUC Rule, “India With Jio” Trends On Twitter