Telecom provider, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which is set to launch 4G service in Tamil Nadu, claimed on Tuesday that 1.6 lakh customers in the state have ported into BSNL from other networks, with more than 50,000 of them migrating from the now-bankrupt Aircel, during a span of 10 months.

BSNL Chief General Manager, TN Circle, R Marshal Antony Leo, addresses the media

Chennai:

BSNL chief general manager, Tamil Nadu circle, R Marshal Antony Leo on Tuesday said, “Between April 2017 and February 2018, a total of 1,61,742 customers have ported into BSNL from other networks.”

Elaborating on their future plans, the top official said the BSNL has signed with Nokia to roll out 4G services in ten circles in the south and west zones, which included Tamil Nadu in the south. 

Antony Leo also said they plan to extend the 3G services in 1,200 towns and villages in Tamil Nadu circle. “Existing 3G services in 143 cities and towns will be augmented to provide improved in-building coverage and for high speed data”, he said.

Stating that the installation of 2G/3G core and radio equipment is in progress, the BSNL official said the project will be rolled out by December 2018. He also said that Tamil Nadu telecom circle has been allotted 7.99 lakh additional line/subscriber capacity at a cost of Rs 333 crore.