Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 3: State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the rollout of its Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) service in new circles, allowing customers to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi networks even in areas with weak or no mobile signal.

The service was unveiled as part of BSNL’s silver jubilee celebrations on October 2. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Secretary Neeraj Mittal announced the soft launch of VoWiFi in the West and South Zone circles. Alongside this, BSNL also launched its 4G services in Mumbai and rolled out eSIM services nationwide.

With this, BSNL has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its digital portfolio. While private operators like Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea have offered VoWiFi for several years, BSNL’s entry now provides its subscribers the ability to seamlessly switch to Wi-Fi calling when mobile network strength is low. The service will work on compatible smartphones without additional charges.

BSNL has also expanded its 4G coverage, recently launching services in Delhi and Mumbai. Its eSIM services, introduced earlier in Tamil Nadu, are being implemented across India through a partnership with Tata Communications’ Move platform.

In a push for wider reach, BSNL signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Posts to enable SIM card sales and mobile recharge services through 1.65 lakh post offices nationwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently inaugurated BSNL’s fully indigenous 4G network from Jharsuguda, Odisha, marking another milestone in the telco’s revival and expansion drive.