BSNL 4G SIM cards now available in Chennai, Karnataka circles

Despite delay in spectrum allotment, the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is gearing up to launch 4G services in the country. The telcom firm, which has already accomplished soft launch earlier this year, is testing 4G services in Kerala circle, said a TelecomTalk report, citing information that 4G services of BSNL are available in Idukki district, besides Thrissur, Malappuram and Idukki districts are also being facilitated with the same.

BSNL, which now has more than 700 4G towers in the three districts of Kerala, started issuing 4G SIM cards worth Rs 20 in Chennai as well as in Karnataka states, said the report. 

The TelecomTalk also grabbed the first BSNL 4G speed test results, which indicated download speeds of over 20 Mbps. It further stated that speeds are on-par with other private telcos such as Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio, while adding that in some areas, Airtel and Jio deliver superior speeds that BSNL may not be able to provide with the current spectrum. 

Notably, BSNL offered 4G services in Idukki region of Kerala, and the services are also being provided in other districts of Thrissur and Malappuram, with over 700 4G towers combined in all the three regions, the report said. 

BSNL users in Idukki district of Kerala are enjoying 4G services, but the telco is yet to roll the same services on a pan-India basis. Recently, the state-run telco started providing 4G services in Nagpur rural area where Bhiwapur is the first region to get 4G, the report said, adding those who want to have 4G services in Nagpur, they can get 4G SIM card from their nearest BSNL store.