India has implemented a new Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) service that allows mobile users to maintain connectivity even in areas with weak network signals. Launched on January 17, the service enables customers of BSNL, Jio, and Airtel to automatically connect to any available network when their primary network is unavailable.

The ICR service operates through mobile towers funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program. Under this initiative, telecom providers can share infrastructure, allowing users to switch seamlessly between networks at the same tower location without incurring additional charges.

The government’s program aims to establish approximately 27,000 mobile towers to provide coverage to more than 35,000 villages. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia introduced the service, emphasizing its role in improving education, healthcare, and economic activities in underserved areas.

This marks a significant change from the previous system, where DBN-funded towers were restricted to use by the operators who installed them. The new shared infrastructure approach is expected to reduce the need for additional towers while improving resource utilization for telecom companies.

The service primarily benefits users in rural and remote areas, where network connectivity has traditionally been challenging. By allowing access to any available network at DBN-funded towers, the initiative aims to reduce dropped calls and improve data speeds across regions.

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BSNL has introduced three new digital communication services in Puducherry: Intranet TV (BiTV) for mobile, National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility, and fibre-based Intranet TV (IFTV).

The BiTV service provides BSNL mobile users in Puducherry access to over 300 live TV channels, including premium content, at no additional cost. Through OTTplay, users can access movies, web series, and documentaries in various languages. The service will expand to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand in January 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout.

OTTplay’s integration with BiTV offers users content from 37 OTT platforms and more than 500 live TV channels. “We are proud to provide BSNL customers with a world-class entertainment platform,” said Avinash Mudaliar, CEO of OTTplay. The service operates through a secure mobile intranet.

BSNL has also implemented the National Wi-Fi Roaming Facility in Manadipattu, making it the second village in India with full Wi-Fi coverage. The service is available to both BSNL and non-BSNL users, with BSNL customers’ usage billed to their plans while others can pay via UPI.

For FTTH users, BSNL’s new IFTV service in Puducherry offers more than 500 live TV channels free of cost, featuring high-definition streaming with simple subscription activation.

CMD Robert Ravi stated these initiatives align with BSNL’s goal of providing affordable digital services. The new services aim to make technology and entertainment accessible across different user segments.

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The state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has seen a significant surge in customer migration, with 5.5 million users porting their numbers to its network following the June 2024 tariff hikes by private telecom operators.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) data reveals a steady increase in BSNL’s port-ins from July to October 2024. The numbers tell an interesting story: 1.5 million users switched to BSNL in July, peaking at 2.1 million in August, before gradually declining to 1.1 million in September and 0.7 million in October.

This marks a dramatic shift from June 2024, when BSNL recorded only 63,709 port-ins. The operator also saw a decrease in customers leaving its network. While 0.4 million users ported out in June, this number dropped to 0.31 million in July, 0.26 million in August, and 0.28 million in September, though it rose slightly to 0.51 million in October.

From July to October 2024, nearly 5.5 million users switched to BSNL.

With strong growth in SIM sales and mobile number portability, BSNL continues to be the preferred choice for millions of users.#BSNLIndia #CustomerFirst #PortInToBSNL #SwitchToBSNLhttps://t.co/c1uj6LbgFY

— BSNL India (@BSNLCorporate) December 4, 2024

BSNL’s growth wasn’t limited to port-ins alone. New SIM card sales skyrocketed from 790,000 in June to 4.9 million in July, reaching 5 million in August before decreasing to 2.8 million in September and 1.9 million in October.

Meanwhile, private operators faced significant subscriber losses. According to TRAI data, the telecom industry lost 10 million users in September 2024 alone, with Jio losing 7.9 million, Airtel 1.4 million, and Vodafone Idea 1.5 million subscribers.

BSNL’s Chairman and MD Robert Ravi has confirmed that the company has no immediate plans to increase its tariffs.

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Vi (Vodafone Idea) has stepped into the spam-fighting arena alongside its competitors by launching an AI and ML-powered spam detection system. The telecom giant announced today in Mumbai that it has already successfully identified over 24 million spam messages during its initial testing phase.

While third-party apps like Truecaller have long been the go-to solution for spam detection, telecom operators are now taking matters into their own hands. Back in september, Airtel introduced its own AI-powered system for identifying spam calls and messages, while the state-owned BSNL showcased their AI/ML solution at the Indian Mobile Congress 2024. Vi’s entry into this space marks another major telecom provider acknowledging the growing need for built-in spam protection.

In an era where SMS-based fraud is on the rise, Vi’s new solution automatically flags suspicious messages with a “Suspected Spam” tag, giving users an instant heads-up about potential threats. The system works in real-time, analyzing incoming messages using AI algorithms trained on millions of examples to spot fraudulent links, unauthorized promotions, and identity theft attempts.

“As more customers embrace digital communication, we recognize the growing threat posed by SMS based spams and potential scam attempts. Our AI-powered spam detection technology reinforces our commitment to customer safety by delivering proactive, real-time protection. Vi is focused on staying ahead of these threats and empowering customers with information to make their mobile experience safer,” said Jagbir Singh, CTO, Vodafone Idea Limited.

The new system employs sophisticated pattern recognition to learn from various spam indicators, including suspicious links and unusual sender patterns. What makes this solution particularly user-friendly is that it requires no additional setup or app installations from customers, and comes at no extra cost – a notable advantage over third-party solutions.

But Vi isn’t stopping at just SMS protection. The company revealed it’s also working on solutions to curb spam, including voice calls, to ensure its users are further protected from unsolicited calls.

Their current measures include:

• Simplified mobile-app URL for reporting spam
• Whitelisting of brand message URLs
• UCC (Unsolicited Commercial Communication) detection to identify bulk call patterns
• Regular customer awareness campaigns about phishing attempts

The solution is designed to continuously improve through machine learning, adapting to new spam trends and evolving threats, demonstrating Vi’s ongoing commitment to providing a safer mobile experience for its users across India.

Users can visit www.MyVi.in for more information about this new security feature and other Vi services.

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Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched India’s first direct-to-device satellite connectivity service on Wednesday, as announced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The service was developed in collaboration with Viasat, a California-based communications technology company.

The state-owned telecom provider’s service aims to provide connectivity in remote areas where traditional networks are unavailable. Prior to this launch, satellite communications in India have been limited to emergency services, military, and other allied services.

BSNL launches India’s 1st Satellite-to-Device service!

Seamless connectivity now reaches India’s remotest corners. pic.twitter.com/diNKjaivFo

— DoT India (@DoT_India) November 13, 2024

Service Features and Testing

According to BSNL, the service will enable users to:

• Make emergency calls when cellular network or Wi-Fi connectivity is unavailable
• Send SOS messages
• Make UPI payments in areas without traditional connectivity

Viasat demonstrated the technology’s capabilities at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, successfully sending and receiving messages to a geostationary L-band satellite at a distance of 36,000km. The company stated in a press release that the service will enable two-way communication for non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity.

Implementation Details Pending

Following trials that began in October, BSNL has launched the service within a month. However, several key details remain unspecified:

• The process for users to access the satellite connectivity
• Whether the feature will be included in existing plans or require separate subscriptions
• The extent of service availability for non-emergency communications

The service could benefit users in remote locations, such as those trekking to the Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley or living in remote villages in Rajasthan.

While satellite connectivity technology has been previously introduced by companies like Apple with their iPhone 14 series, this marks the first such service available to regular users in India.

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BSNL recently unveiled its new antic-scam protection feature at IMC 2024. Now the company has got a new redesigned logo and has also introduced seven customer-centric services.

On 22^nd October, Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Sh. Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled BSNLs new logo and its citizen centric services.

This new logo is said to be a symbol of BSNLs commitment towards customer service. Minister Scindia also mentioned, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, BSNL has transformed itself from being a follower to now becoming a Leader.” He highlighted that the launch of the new logo and seven citizen-centric services is a testament to the same.

It is said that BSNL’s new logo symbolizes strength, trust, and accessibility. The green and white arrows surrounding India emphasize the company’s expansive nationwide reach, while the vibrant orange backdrop signifies warmth and inclusivity. The bold tagline ‘Connecting Bharat‘ highlights BSNL’s unwavering mission to bridge the digital divide by offering a modern, reliable telecom network that connects both urban and rural India.

Seven Customer-Centric Services

• Spam Blocking Solution– automatically filters out phishing attempts and malicious SMS and creates a safer communication environment for users without the need to issue alerts to customers, ensuring seamless and secure communication for all users.
• BSNL National WiFi Roaming– BSNL is launching a first-of-its-kind seamless Wi-Fi roaming service for its FTTH customers, enabling high-speed internet access at BSNL hotspots at no extra charge, thus minimizing data costs for users.
• BSNL IFTV– BSNL’s fiber-based intranet TV service offers 500+ live channels and Pay TV through its FTTH network. This service will be accessible to all BSNL FTTH subscribers without additional charges. The data used for the TV viewing will not be consuming the FTTH Data pack.
• Any Time SIM (ATS) Kiosks– Automated SIM kiosks allow users to purchase, upgrade, port, or replace SIMs on a 24/7 basis, leveraging UPI/QR-enabled payments with seamless KYC integration and multi-lingual access.
• Direct-to-Direct Service– India’s first Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity solution converges satellite and terrestrial mobile networks to deliver seamless, reliable connectivity. This groundbreaking technology is particularly useful in emergency situations and isolated regions and can enable UPI payments in such areas.
• Public Protection & Disaster Relief as a solution– BSNL’s scalable, secure network for disaster response is India’s first guaranteed encrypted communication for government and relief agencies during crises, enhancing national disaster management capabilities. The robust network design guarantees uninterrupted connectivity and also uses innovative drone-based and balloon-based systems to extend coverage during disasters.
• First Private 5G Mines– BSNL introduces reliable, low-latency, 5G connectivity for mining operations in partnership with C-DAC, leveraging Made-in-India equipment and BSNL’s technological expertise. This service enables advanced AI and IoT applications, in underground mines and large opencast mines which require high-speed low latency connectivity, such as safety analytics, real-time remote control of AGVs, AR-enabled remote maintenance, fleet tracking & optimization, etc

Along with this new logo and service, the company has also become the talk of the town as it has also unveiled dispensing ATMs for BSNL 4G SIM cards. Now to get a BSNL SIM card one does not have to run to a store or an exchange anymore. BSNL Unveiled a SIM vending machine at IMC 2024, a customer can use the BSNL self-care app and they will be allowed to procure the SIM card at any time with the vending machine.

It is said that these machines will be set in areas with lot of traffic such as railway stations and airports in order to enhance the accessibility of customers.

The post BSNL New Logo And Seven Customer Centric Services Officially Unveiled Along With SIM Dispensing Machines appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

In recent developments, two major Indian telecom providers have announced AI-powered solutions aimed at enhancing digital security and combating unwanted communications. Airtel led the charge with its spam detection tool, followed by BSNL’s announcement of an upcoming anti-scam solution.

Airtel’s AI-Powered Spam Detection Tool

On September 25, Bharti Airtel launched an AI-powered spam detection tool. The system is designed to flag suspected spam calls and messages in real-time for Airtel users. According to the company, the tool is automatically activated for all subscribers at no additional cost. It employs a proprietary algorithm to classify communications as “Suspected SPAM” by analyzing various parameters such as caller usage patterns, call frequency, and duration. This data is then cross-referenced with known spam patterns for identification.

Airtel’s Managing Director and CEO, Gopal Vittal, commented on the launch, stating, “Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months to solve this comprehensively. Today marks a milestone as we launch the country’s first AI-powered spam free network that will shield our customers from the continuous onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications.”

BSNL’s Upcoming AI/ML Solution for Scam Prevention

Following Airtel’s initiative, BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) has now revealed its own plans in the AI space. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the state-owned telecom company announced: “Good news! We’ve cracked it. A breakthrough AI/ML-powered solution is in its final stage, designed to identify, neutralize & eliminate scams before they reach you. The future of digital security is #ComingSoon. Big reveal at India Mobile Congress 2024.”

Good news! We’ve cracked it. A breakthrough AI/ML-powered solution is in its final stage, designed to identify, neutralize & eliminate scams before they reach you. The future of digital security is #ComingSoon.
Big reveal at India Mobile Congress 2024.#BSNL #BSNLAntiSpamNetwork pic.twitter.com/XBZCn25kzS

— BSNL India (@BSNLCorporate) September 26, 2024

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A few days back we shared with you that the BSNL Live TV app is currently being tested in India for Android TVs and as soon as the testing phase ends, the app is expected to roll out to all Indian users. Now BSNL India has officially announced on X platform that MoU has been signed between MTNL and NBCC at the BSNL office in Delhi.

An #MoU has been signed between #MTNL and #NBCC at the #BSNL Corporate Office, New Delhi for the land development at Pankha Road, Janakpuri under the PPP model.@OfficialNBCC @MTNLOfficial pic.twitter.com/M1exGhxhYY

— BSNL India (@BSNLCorporate) September 11, 2024

This MoU is for the development of land measuring approximately 13.88 acres in Pankha Road, Janakpuri under the PPP model. It is said that this particular New Delhi project is aimed to transform the land into a state-of-the-art residential/ commercial space, leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations. The value for this project is said to be Rs.1600 crore and it is revealed that the project will be executed in phases over three years from the date of commencement of the project.

Meanwhile,  DoT India has today officially shared that MTNL 5G is being tested in India.

Testing Made in India 5G

by C-DoT and MTNL pic.twitter.com/4YRMH2cGNB

— DoT India (@DoT_India) September 12, 2024

This means that MTNL users in India may get to enjoy 5G services as soon as the testing phase ends. The testing is conducted by the Center for Development of Telecommunications (C-DoT) and MTNL.

The post MTNL And NBCC Sign a MoU For Land Development At Pankha Road: MTNL 5G Being Tested In India appeared first on The Tech Outlook.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL) is gearing up for the rollout of the 4G network with the support of Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS), which is responsible for supplying and installing the network for the BSNL in Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts. It will be upgradable to the 5G network in the future. As per the report total of 690 4G towers have been proposed for the Mysuru business area that comprises Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, and Kodagu districts. Specifically, 337 towers will be installed in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts, 200 towers in Kodagu, and 153 towers in Mandya.

BSNL has identified a total of 79 locations in rural parts of the Mysuru business area under the first phase of its project 4G saturation where there is no network coverage available from any of the mobile operators to date. As of now a total of  32 sites out of 55 in Kodagu where tower installation had been completed, 22 sites in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar (14 sites where towers were installed), and 2 sites in Mandya where installation is planned.

It’s just not about the rollout of the 4G network from the BSNL but the company is also working to raise funds by engaging in asset monetization to raise funds by selling some of its properties in Mysuru and Madikeri. The first property slated for e-auction is located on Vishwamanava Double Road in Kuvempunagar, Mysuru. This land parcel covers an area of 25,785 square feet and has a reserve price of ₹21.11 crore (211.1 million rupees). Interested buyers must submit their bids before 3 p.m. on July 1.

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Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) is experiencing financial challenges, which comprise increasing debts and constant losses. To tackle this, the Government of India is thinking of closing down MTNL. Subsequently, MTNL’s operations and staff would be transferred to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL).

According to the Livemint report, government officials have expressed that reviving MTNL won’t be feasible. Authority is of the view that merging it with BSNL would lead to extensive financial harm.  MTNL bears a burden of about Rs 40,000 crore in debt.

The government is analyzing the decision to de-list MTNL from the stock exchanges. However, they are also not planning to list BSNL even though it is the nation’s fourth-largest telecom, stated reports.

Operations and staff of MTNL can rely on BSNL in carrying forward MTNL’s task force as it has experienced major improvements in recent years.

BSNL is marking its presence on the road to recovery. The telecom is planning to launch 5G services by 2024. They are planning on investing Rs 7,000 crore in bank loans for the same.

The fiscal year 2022-2023 marked BSNL’s revenue to a jump of Rs 20,700 crore. However, it is to be noted that losses have increased to Rs 8,161 crore.

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