Delays in BSNL 4G Rollout Leave Chennai Users Struggling for Connectivity
A growing number of BSNL mobile users in Chennai are grappling with severe network disruptions, including frequent call drops and sluggish data connectivity, as the state-run telecom operator struggles to complete its long-pending 4G tower installation. Despite an initial deadline of December 2024, the infrastructure expansion remains incomplete, leaving subscribers frustrated. Residents in key commercial hubs such as T. Nagar and Greams Road report an inability to make even basic digital payments due to poor network strength. V. Sathiabalan, a former telecom advisory member, voiced concerns over the prolonged inefficiencies, stating, “Several complaints have been raised, but no concrete action has been taken. Many users who switched to BSNL from private operators are now regretting their decision.” The problem is exacerbated by the cumbersome process of shifting networks again, which can take up to three months, adding to users’ distress.
The connectivity woes extend beyond call drops and slow internet speeds, with some users experiencing complete service disruptions even when their mobile devices indicate full signal strength. Muniyandi M, a 72-year-old resident of Pattabiram, highlighted the distressing impact on elderly users. “I live alone, and my children call me via WhatsApp from abroad. Most times, the calls don’t connect, and even if they do, they drop within minutes. As a retired government employee, I’ve remained loyal to BSNL, but if the situation does not improve, I will be forced to shift to a private provider,” he said. Such challenges underline the critical role that seamless digital connectivity plays in modern urban living, where unreliable telecom services can lead to digital exclusion, particularly for vulnerable sections of society. While BSNL officials acknowledge the problems, they remain non-committal on a definitive completion timeline, citing equipment shortages as the primary cause of delays.
The delay in BSNL’s 4G expansion also poses broader sustainability concerns. Inadequate mobile connectivity forces users to rely on alternative, often power-intensive, solutions such as Wi-Fi hotspots and additional SIM cards, contributing to higher energy consumption. The inefficiency in public telecom infrastructure also places an added burden on private operators, who may have to increase their network capacity to accommodate a spillover of users abandoning BSNL. Furthermore, an effective and reliable telecom network is crucial for reducing carbon footprints, as it encourages digital transactions, work-from-home setups, and smart mobility solutions. With global cities increasingly investing in 5G and IoT-driven sustainable solutions, Chennai risks lagging behind due to its sluggish telecom infrastructure expansion.
From an urban governance perspective, the BSNL connectivity crisis reflects deeper issues in public sector project execution. The 4G rollout, which is being handled by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has seen significant delays, raising concerns over accountability and project management. BSNL’s General Manager, Sunil Kumar Singhal, recently wrote to TCS, urging faster deployment of 4G towers to resolve the growing network complaints. Currently, around 1,000 towers have been installed, but the network expansion remains far from complete. With no confirmed deadline, Chennai’s residents remain in limbo, caught between slow government execution and an increasingly digital-dependent lifestyle. The city’s urban mobility and digital economy rely heavily on seamless telecom infrastructure, making BSNL’s delay not just a consumer grievance but a pressing civic concern that demands immediate intervention.
