Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is set to revolutionize its telecommunications services with the introduction of a new over-the-air (OTA) and Universal SIM (USIM) platform. This cutting-edge platform, compatible with both 4G and 5G networks, will allow BSNL subscribers to select their mobile numbers on demand and replace SIM cards without being bound by geographical limitations.

Launched in Chandigarh, with a disaster recovery site established in Trichy, the platform was developed in partnership with Pyro Holdings. It aims to enhance connectivity and service quality across India, supporting BSNL’s ongoing network upgrades and positioning the company as a leader in telecommunications innovation.

The OTA and USIM platform offers significant benefits, including the ability to choose mobile numbers flexibly, perform SIM replacements anywhere in the country, and manage SIM profiles and files remotely. This advancement is expected to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to advanced telecom services in both urban and rural areas.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi A Robert Jerard emphasized that the platform will greatly benefit customers by facilitating hassle-free SIM swaps and modifications. Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that BSNL plans to install 80,000 4G towers by October and an additional 21,000 by March 2025. The company has already begun rolling out 4G services in select regions, including Punjab, using domestically developed network equipment.