NEW DELHI: State-run BSNL is finding it increasingly difficult to compete with private telecom operators due to the absence of 4G and 5G services. This situation has led to an environment where there are no checks on mobile service providers raising tariffs, according to the BSNL Employees Union.
In a letter to Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the BSNL Employees Union stated that the recent tariff hikes by private telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are unwarranted since these companies are already profitable.
“Earlier, due to the competition from BSNL, the private telecom service providers were restrained from increasing their tariffs capriciously. However, the scenario has changed now. BSNL has not been able to launch its 4G and 5G services till date, as a result of which it is handicapped from competing with the private operators and thereby restraining their arbitrary tariff hikes,” the letter said.
The union emphasized that BSNL’s inability to launch advanced services has left it unable to exert competitive pressure on private operators, allowing them to increase tariffs without restraint.
