BSNL introduces new OTA platform for easy SIM swapping across India

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Friday announced a new 4G and 5G-ready over-the-air (OTA) and Universal SIM (USIM) platform. With this move, the Indian state-owned telecom operator aims to enhance its service quality and connectivity in line with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The launch gives users the freedom to swap SIM cards without any regional restrictions. The platform has been developed with Pyro Holdings, a telecom development company.

BSNL 4G, 5G ready OTA platform

According to a after on X (formerly Twitter) by BSNL, the platform was inaugurated in Chandigarh, with a disaster recovery site set up in Tiruchirappalli or Trichy in Tamil Nadu. The platform targets BSNL users across the country and aims to improve the state-owned carrier’s telecommunications services and network capabilities.

It is claimed to result in faster network speeds and better coverage across India. Moreover, it also brings convenience of number portability and SIM switching as users can replace their SIM cards without any geographical restrictions.

Making the announcement, Ravi A. Robert Jerard, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL, said, “This platform will be immensely useful for customers looking for SIM replacement without geographical restrictions, and will help in customizing SIM profile and managing files remotely on SIM cards.”

The platform supports both 4G and 5G networks in India, the latter of which reported to arrive within six to eight months of BSNL achieving its target of 4G rollout by March 2025. BSNL says it can help bridge the digital divide in rural and remote areas. It is also said to be in line with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which aims to make citizens and the country self-reliant in all aspects.

BSNL is said to complete the full rollout of its 4G services by March 2025. Currently, the telecom provider has set up 15,000 network towers in circles such as Himachal Pradesh and UP West. It is reportedly aiming to increase this by another 80,000 towers by October this year. Moreover, the cloud-based 4G core technology that is currently powering its network is also said to potentially support 5G services.