BSNL begins upgrading 3G network

Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) is upgrading its network to enhance the current data speed by three times to compete with private players in the 3G space.

"A nationwide project to upgrade the 3G network has begun which is expected to be completed in a fortnight. Kolkata is likely to be the first circle in the country to experience the upgraded 3G network," Calcutta Telephones Principal General Manager (Consumer Mobility) AK Garg said.

He said on the sidelines of an interactive session with BNCCI that the current 3.6 mbps network will become 14 mbps network. However, the ideal speed for a customer would be at least 1-2 mbps as against the current speed of 300-400 kbps.

Following this, the speed issue on the 3G network would be resolved and on the other hand revenue from data usage would also improve, he said.

The project involves some minor hardware and software upgradation, but it does not involve fresh capex from BSNL.

Kolkata and Bengal circle have around 75,000 3G connections. However, though the BSNL is nearly one year into its launch of the 3G service, the revenue has not improved much, sources said.