India’s state-owned telecom giant, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is under the spotlight as users across the country report significant connectivity issues. Complaints have flooded social media, with many experiencing a “No Signal” error. According to outage tracking platform DownDetector, the issue began early on January 1, 2025, and shows no signs of resolution yet. Over 70% of users report signal loss, while others cite total blackout or mobile internet disruptions.
The Scale of the Outage
Reports indicate that the cities most affected are Nagpur and Kolkata, though smaller pockets of outages are being reported nationwide. Notably, some regions remain unaffected, suggesting a localized infrastructure problem. The consistency of reports—from urban and rural areas alike—underscores the widespread nature of this issue.
Data from DownDetector reveals that:
- 70% of users reported a “No Signal” error.
- 25% experienced total blackouts.
- 5% cited mobile internet issues.
User Frustrations Spill onto Social Media
@BSNL_KOTD Is BSNL Kolkata mobile network down today? Can’t make any calls – although tower mark is indicated on my mobile.
Please respond.— Inventing Minds (@InventingMinds) January 1, 2025
As the outage persists, BSNL’s silence has only fueled user dissatisfaction. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is abuzz with memes and criticism aimed at the telecom operator. One user sarcastically posted, “BSNL is now truly living up to its slogan of connecting India… to frustration.” Another joked, “BSNL: Bringing Silence to Network Life.”
Despite the humor, the frustration is real. Many users depend on BSNL for both personal and professional communication, making the outage a serious inconvenience.
BSNL’s Future Plans: 3G Discontinuation
While the current outage dominates the headlines, BSNL’s ongoing strategy has also come under scrutiny. The operator recently announced plans to discontinue its 3G services due to declining demand. Instead, BSNL aims to retain its 2G network for voice calls, ensuring reliable service for users with basic phones. Meanwhile, efforts to roll out 4G towers continue, particularly in areas like Kerala where call connectivity issues persist.
This strategic pivot comes at a time when BSNL is struggling to maintain user trust amidst increasing competition from private players like Jio and Airtel. Critics argue that a stronger 4G rollout should take precedence over the discontinuation of legacy services, especially in areas with known connectivity challenges.
Recharge Plans and Added Benefits
Amidst the turmoil, BSNL has attempted to woo users with attractive recharge plans. Two new offerings—priced at Rs. 215 for 30 days and Rs. 628 for 84 days—provide unlimited calls, daily data allowances (2GB/day for Rs. 215 and 3GB/day for Rs. 628), and 100 SMS per day. Both plans include added perks like access to Zing Music, BSNL Tunes, and Astrotell.
However, these benefits are of little use to users grappling with the current outage. The situation raises questions about whether BSNL’s infrastructure can support its ambitious service offerings.
What Can Users Do?
For now, BSNL users facing connectivity issues can try the following:
- Restart Devices: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary issues.
- Check SIM Placement: Ensure your SIM card is properly seated in its slot.
- Switch Network Modes: Switching between 2G and 3G modes may help restore connectivity in some areas.
- Use Wi-Fi Calling: If mobile signal issues persist, enable Wi-Fi calling to make and receive calls.
In case none of these steps work, users are encouraged to log complaints via BSNL’s helpline or mobile app to ensure their issues are formally recorded.
The Road Ahead for BSNL
As one of India’s oldest telecom providers, BSNL has faced numerous challenges in adapting to a rapidly evolving market. While its commitment to affordable services is commendable, recurring outages and infrastructure bottlenecks jeopardize its ability to compete with private operators.
For now, users can only hope for prompt acknowledgment and resolution of the ongoing issues. Until then, BSNL’s reputation remains on shaky ground, with every passing hour adding to user dissatisfaction.
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