 "BSNL may launch 4G services in FY18 based on tender result: Minister")
State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) may launch its 4G services during the next financial year, based on the outcome of a tender to upgrade its network for such services, Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.
However, the telecom PSU does not intend to participate in the upcoming spectrum auctions for 4G due to financial and other reasons, Minister of State for Communications Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.
"BSNL plans to upgrade its network for 4G GSM services through tender. Based on the outcome of the tender, tentatively BSNL may launch its 4G services progressively during the next financial year (2017-18)," Sinha said.
BSNL plans to install 3700 Wi-Fi hotspots during 2016-17, he said, adding that till June 30, 2016, BSNL has installed 2526 Wi-Fi hotspots to provide wireless internet services.
The minister further said that Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) has no immediate plans of launching 4G services as it has already surrendered 2300 MHz band spectrum.
"As of now, MTNL has not taken any decision regarding taking part in the forthcoming phase of spectrum auctions for 4G," he added.
