TechPulse

BSNL Begins 2026 with Nationwide Free VoWiFi Calling Service


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 BSNLโ€™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 BSNLโ€™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.

TechPulse

India Goes Self-Reliant in Digital Connectivity: BSNL Powers Indigenous Internet Backbone


India has officially ceased importing internet bandwidth from Bangladesh, marking a landmark achievement in its journey towards digital self-reliance. Until recently, bandwidth from Bangladesh helped support internet services in Indiaโ€™s Northeastern states. Now, that role is being fully taken over by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), through its 100% indigenous Swadeshi 4G network infrastructure.

This strategic shift is part of the government’s larger vision under the 4G Saturation Project, which aims to bring high-speed internet access to every village and remote area in India. BSNL has already begun strengthening digital connectivity across the Northeast, ensuring critical infrastructure is powered by domestic capabilities. This not only bolsters national security and technological independence but also reduces reliance on foreign telecom resources.

Nationwide, BSNL is making massive strides. It plans to upgrade over 92,500 indigenously developed 4G towers to 5G within the next six to eight months. With these upgrades, BSNL is positioned to compete alongside private telecom giants, but with a unique focus on public service, rural access, and national interest.

What makes this transition even more significant is BSNLโ€™s remarkable financial turnaround. From years of losses, the state-run telecom provider is now back in profit and rapidly expanding its services. Its 4G rollout has already begun at scale and is being recognized as a technological milestone for India.

The halt of internet bandwidth imports and BSNLโ€™s indigenous push signal a broader shift in Indiaโ€™s digital story โ€” one where connectivity is built, managed, and scaled within the country. With domestic infrastructure powering everything from mobile data to rural broadband, India is building a future where digital access is sovereign, secure, and self-made.

TechPulse

BSNL Extends โ€œFreedom Planโ€ by 15 Days Following Overwhelming Demand


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 โ‚น1, 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:
โ€œBSNL 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 Planโ€”absolutely free of service charges for the first 30 daysโ€”gives customers a proud opportunity to experience our indigenously developed 4G network. Weโ€™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.โ€

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 โ‚น1 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 Indiaโ€™s digital ecosystem with homegrown technology.