BSNL to install 1,100 new 3G mobile towers in Kerala

Kollam: BSNL, the largest public sector telecom company in the country, plans to upgrade its communication infrastructure by installing 1,100 new 3G mobile towers in the Kerala circle. 

The PSU expects to ease the existing data traffic congestion experienced by its customers with the upgradation scheduled for December.

However, entering into the 4G regime still remains a dream for the operator with an apparent lack of consensus with the central government on the issue of spectrum allotment.

The upgradation is in the wake of  complaints by the subscribers who experience  slow  data traffic. BSNL has failed to upgrade its  infrastructure for the heavy data traffic in proportion to  the number of users sharing the limited resources. Kerala contributes around 40  percent of its customer share in the BSNL south zone.

“There are shortcomings within the BSNL in terms of operational equipment and number of sites. The centre  is also reluctant to provide us with 4G spectrum despite repeated requests. The congestion is due to the overcrowded connection to a limited number of sites,” Mr K. Mohanan, BSNL employees’ union state secretary, told DC.

The union alleges that the centre had also failed  to pump in sufficient funds for the development of infrastructure facilities, including installation of new mobile towers.

According to a  BSNL official, the new addition of 1,100 3G towers will satisfy the existing customers with good data traffic rate.

The BSNL is also eyeing  the 4G spectrum  launch in the near future. There are currently around 3,800 3G sites across the state. BSNL also provides free WiFi service in 130 locations across Kerala.