BSNL Likely to Shut Down 3G Services Nationwide as It Shifts to 4G and 5G

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is likely to shut down its 3G services across India, marking a major transition in its network strategy as it accelerates the rollout of 4G and prepares for 5G.

Industry sources indicate that BSNL plans to gradually refarm spectrum currently used for 3G to strengthen its 4G network, which is being deployed using indigenous technology. The move mirrors steps taken earlier by private telecom operators, who have already phased out 3G to improve spectrum efficiency and network performance.

For BSNL, maintaining 3G has become increasingly uneconomical. User migration toward 4G-enabled smartphones, rising maintenance costs of legacy networks, and limited device support for older technologies have reduced the relevance of 3G services. By shutting down 3G, BSNL can focus resources on expanding high-speed data coverage and improving service quality.

Customers using 3G-only devices may be affected and are expected to be encouraged to upgrade to 4G-compatible handsets and SIM cards. BSNL has already been offering free SIM upgrades and promotional plans to ease the transition for users.

The shutdown is also aligned with the government’s broader push for modernising telecom infrastructure and boosting domestic telecom manufacturing. BSNL’s 4G rollout, backed by a consortium led by TCS, is seen as a critical step in reviving the PSU’s competitiveness.

Once completed, the 3G shutdown is expected to streamline operations and position BSNL for a stronger role in India’s evolving digital connectivity landscape.