Tag: BSNL

TechPulse

BSNL Begins 2026 with Nationwide Free VoWiFi Calling Service

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

State-owned telecom operator BSNL has kicked off 2026 by rolling out free Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services across India, marking a significant step in improving connectivity for its users. The service allows customers to make voice calls and send messages over any stable WiFi network while retaining their existing mobile number, without the need for additional applications.

VoWiFi is particularly beneficial in areas with weak cellular signals, such as elevators, thick-walled buildings, basements and remote locations. The service seamlessly switches between WiFi and cellular networks, ensuring uninterrupted communication as users move in and out of network coverage zones.

The rollout aligns with BSNL’s broader modernisation strategy, which includes the expansion of its 4G network to nearly 97,000 sites nationwide. By enabling calls over WiFi, BSNL is also easing congestion on mobile towers while significantly enhancing indoor coverage and call quality.

With this move, BSNL aims to strengthen its competitive position against private telecom players like Jio and Airtel, both of whom already offer WiFi calling services. The initiative reflects BSNL’s focus on improving customer experience while leveraging existing broadband infrastructure.

Activating VoWiFi on BSNL is simple for most modern smartphones. Users with a BSNL 4G SIM can enable the feature directly through their phone settings, provided the device supports WiFi calling. Once activated, calls and messages automatically route through WiFi whenever available, switching back to the cellular network when WiFi is unavailable.

As BSNL continues to expand its network and introduce customer-friendly digital services, the nationwide VoWiFi rollout represents another step towards bridging connectivity gaps and strengthening reliable communication across urban and rural India.

Human Interest

Dhanteras 2025 Sees ₹1 Lakh Crore Sales as Gold & Silver Demand Surges Despite Record Prices

Tanisha Cardozo

Indian consumers went on a festive shopping spree this Dhanteras, with total spending crossing ₹1 lakh crore, led by an overwhelming demand for gold and silver despite all-time high prices. According to data released by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), ₹60,000 crore worth of gold and silver was sold — a 25% rise from last year’s Dhanteras.

Gold prices peaked at ₹1,32,000 per 10 grams, a record-high that slightly corrected in major markets like Delhi and Mumbai ahead of the big day. Despite the surge, the gold buying frenzy continued, although volumes dipped 10–15% compared to last year. However, the overall transaction value rose sharply, driven by strategic buyers focused on investment over weight.

Silver proved to be the star of Dhanteras 2025. With prices skyrocketing by nearly 55% year-on-year to ₹1,80,000 per kilogram, demand didn’t wane — in fact, it shifted. Industry data shows a 35–40% increase in silver coin sales, particularly from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, as buyers chose budget-conscious and ceremonial purchases over heavy gold investments. The All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) described silver’s rise as a “smart, value-focused investment,” especially for gifting and puja purposes.

Pankaj Arora, National President of the All India Jewellers and Goldsmith Federation, noted an “unprecedented rush” across jewellery markets, particularly in Delhi, where gold and silver sales alone crossed ₹10,000 crore.

Beyond bullion, festive shopping remained upbeat across other segments. Utensils accounted for ₹15,000 crore in sales, while electronics and electrical items saw ₹10,000 crore in purchases. Decorative items and religious materials also contributed an additional ₹3,000 crore.

According to GJC Vice Chairman Avinash Gupta, “Average transaction value rose 20–25% despite volume dips. Most encouraging is the surge in silver coin sales in smaller towns — a reflection of value-seeking, resilient consumers.”

Dhanteras 2025 confirmed that Indian consumers remain deeply committed to tradition, and willing to adapt their buying strategy in response to market trends. Even with volatility in bullion prices, sentiment stayed strong — reaffirming gold and silver’s timeless status as both cultural and economic assets.

TechPulse

BSNL Launches Intelligent Swadeshi 4G Network, Connecting 26,700 More Villages

Tanisha Cardozo

In a historic move underscoring India’s digital transformation and technological self-reliance, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its indigenous 4G network on September 27, 2025, powered by the collaborative effort of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks. This state-of-the-art solution, known as the Bharat Telecom Stack, has been fully conceptualized, developed, and deployed in India, reflecting the core values of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The launch marks a significant technological achievement, making India one of only five nations worldwide to possess a fully indigenous telecom technology stack capable of delivering 4G and paving the way for future networks. With this launch, more than 26,700 additional villages are now digitally connected, giving millions of citizens access to essential services like e-learning, e-governance, telemedicine, and online banking.

TCS led the deployment of the end-to-end network architecture in mission mode, establishing data centers, integrating C-DOT’s EPC Core Application, deploying Tejas Networks’ radio access network (RAN) infrastructure, and using TCS Cognitive Network Operations (CNOPS™) for continuous, intelligent network monitoring.

The speed and scale of this deployment have been unprecedented. Within just two years, the teams successfully installed and commissioned over 100,000 telecom sites, achieving full integration with BSNL’s existing 2G and 3G infrastructure. This rapid rollout strengthens national telecom security and enables rural populations to benefit from next-generation connectivity.

“This nationwide rollout of our indigenous 4G network is a monumental achievement for national pride,” said Sh. A Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL. “It secures our digital future and ensures that connectivity empowers every citizen, bridging the digital divide like never before.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sh. Sandeep Govil, Director (Consumer Mobility) at BSNL, added, “This Swadeshi 4G technology, the result of tireless innovation by C-DOT, Tejas, and TCS, is engineered for scalability and ready for the leap to 5G. It will become the cornerstone for building a digitally inclusive society.”

N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, Advisor – Telecom Strategic Initiatives at TCS and Chairman of Tejas Networks, called the deployment “historic and significant,” noting that the Bharat Telecom Stack, compliant with 3GPP standards, lays a strong foundation for India’s future contributions to global telecom innovations.

This milestone adds another chapter to TCS’s six-decade legacy of enabling large-scale nation-building programs. From transforming passport services to digitizing pension systems and public sector services, TCS continues to build the digital public infrastructure that touches nearly every citizen in the country.

The Swadeshi 4G rollout is not just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic leap for India’s digital sovereignty, bridging rural-urban gaps and ensuring that the digital revolution reaches even the most remote corners of the nation.

Business, Entertainment

BSNL Partners with OTTplay to Launch Premium Mobile Entertainment Packs

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

BSNL has announced the launch of Premium Content Packs for its mobile customers in partnership with OTTplay, India’s first AI-powered OTT content discovery and distribution platform. Following the successful rollout of the free BiTV services in January, which drew massive user engagement, BSNL aims to cater to the growing demand for high-quality digital entertainment through these newly introduced premium packs.

The Premium Content Packs will offer BSNL users curated access to an expansive library of on-demand entertainment from leading OTT platforms, along with over 300 live TV channels. Powered by OTTplay’s advanced AI-driven recommendation engine, the content is personalized for users, offering a seamless and enriched viewing experience.

Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, said, “At BSNL, we are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experience beyond connectivity. Our new Premium Content Packs, in collaboration with OTTplay, bring together the best of OTT and live television in one affordable offering, giving our mobile users an unmatched entertainment destination.”

These paid packs are designed to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience and will be easily accessible through multiple subscription touchpoints, including the BSNL Self Care App, GPay, PhonePe, and other widely used platforms. The collaboration is strategically positioned to tap into audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where BSNL maintains a strong network presence, significantly broadening the reach of premium digital content to millions of users who may not have had access previously.

This initiative marks another milestone in BSNL’s digital transformation journey and reflects the telecom giant’s commitment to offering value-added services that resonate with evolving consumer demands in the Indian market.

TechPulse

BSNL Extends “Freedom Plan” by 15 Days Following Overwhelming Demand

allycaralgoa

01 Sept 2025 | PIB Delhi

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the extension of its much-celebrated Freedom Plan till 15 September 2025, following an overwhelming response from customers across India.

The plan, originally launched on 1 August 2025 at a token charge of just ₹1, offers complimentary 4G mobile services for 30 days to new customers. Initially set to end on 31 August, the offer window will now remain open for new activations until 15 September 2025.

Key Benefits of the Freedom Plan:

  • Unlimited voice calls (as per plan T&C)
  • 2 GB/day high-speed 4G data
  • 100 SMS/day
  • Free SIM card (issued post-KYC as per DoT guidelines)

Statement from CMD, BSNL

Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD of BSNL, stated:
“BSNL has recently deployed a Make-in-India, state-of-the-art 4G mobile network across the country, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Freedom Plan—absolutely free of service charges for the first 30 days—gives customers a proud opportunity to experience our indigenously developed 4G network. We’re confident that the service quality, coverage, and the trust associated with the BSNL brand will encourage customers to stay with us well beyond the introductory period.”

How to Avail the Freedom Plan

  1. Visit the nearest BSNL Customer Service Centre (CSC) with valid KYC documents.
  2. Request the Freedom Plan at ₹1 activation.
  3. Complete KYC and collect your free SIM.
  4. Insert SIM and activate; complimentary benefits start immediately.

For assistance, customers may call 1800-180-1503 or visit bsnl.co.in.

With the Freedom Plan, BSNL not only provides cost-effective telecom solutions but also strengthens its mission of empowering India’s digital ecosystem with homegrown technology.