BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam) has introduced new strategic initiatives aimed at boosting its telecom and digital communication business in India. The new initiatives focus on enhancing security, affordability, and reliability, all while expanding access to modern technology for both urban and rural areas.
BSNL has 85.77 million mobile phone customers, 6.37 million wireline customers, and 5,212 VSAT customers at the end of July 2024. BSNL is the fourth largest ISP (Internet Service Provider) in India with 27.75 million broadband customers with 2.86 percent share. In the wired broadband market, BSNL has 10 percent share and the third rank. In the wireless Internet market, BSNL has 2.54 percent share and holds fourth position.
BSNL has 29.28 million customers in rural India. BSNL’s 31.66 percent of the mobile phone customers are in rural India. BSNL’s 33.38 percent of wireline customers are in rural India. ARPU of BSNL was Rs 68.48 per month as compared with private telecom operators’ ARPU of Rs 164.60.
Key strategies of BSNL
# Focus on Security
BSNL is strengthening digital security for its users through:
Spam-blocking solutions: Automatically filtering phishing attempts and malicious SMS to protect users without requiring manual intervention or alerts, ensuring a seamless and secure communication experience.
# Seamless Connectivity and Affordability
BSNL is working to make its services more affordable while improving user experience:
Wi-Fi Roaming for FTTH Customers: BSNL’s seamless Wi-Fi roaming service allows FTTH customers to access high-speed internet at BSNL hotspots without extra charges, reducing overall data costs for users.
Intranet TV Service: BSNL offers fibre-based intranet TV with access to over 500 live channels without extra charges for FTTH subscribers. Importantly, TV viewing does not consume the FTTH data pack, enhancing affordability.
# Expansion of Network Coverage and Digital Inclusion
BSNL’s mission to “Connect Bharat” is highlighted by its efforts to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban India:
5G Connectivity in Mining Operations: BSNL is introducing low-latency, 5G connectivity in collaboration with C-DAC for mining operations. This allows for AI and IoT applications in mines, such as real-time fleet tracking, safety analytics, and remote maintenance using augmented reality (AR).
# Reliability and Modern Infrastructure
The company is enhancing its technological infrastructure to ensure reliability in both everyday services and specialized sectors:
Partnership with C-DAC: By leveraging its partnership with C-DAC and adopting Made-in-India equipment, BSNL is focusing on providing advanced connectivity solutions, particularly for industries like mining where reliability is crucial for safety and operations.
# Rebranding and New Identity
BSNL has unveiled a new logo and a bold tagline, “Connecting Bharat,” symbolizing its renewed focus on delivering modern, reliable, and secure telecom services. This rebranding effort is part of its broader strategy to refresh its image and highlight its commitment to digital transformation across India.
# Commitment to Digital Security and User Protection
BSNL is committed to providing a safer communication environment by integrating secure solutions into its service offerings, ensuring its customers are protected from common online threats like phishing and malicious attacks.
# Promoting Indigenous Technology
Through its initiatives like 5G connectivity using Made-in-India equipment, BSNL is contributing to the government’s push for indigenous technology solutions, enhancing self-reliance in critical sectors.
These strategies underline BSNL’s role in supporting India’s digital growth, offering cost-effective, secure, and reliable services to individuals and industries alike while ensuring that rural areas are not left behind in the digital revolution. Does a change in logo make any difference to BSNL? Will it add more happiness to BSNL customers?
Baburajan Kizhakedath
