Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to shut down its 3G service, impacting millions of customers.
The government telecom company is discontinuing the service in several districts, including Patna, the capital of Bihar.
In the first phase, BSNL had already shut down 3G in Motihari, Katihar, Khagaria, and Munger districts.
Starting January 15, the service will be discontinued in Patna and other districts as well.
Impact of BSNL’s 3G Service Shutdown
The shutdown of BSNL’s 3G service will mainly affect customers using 3G SIM cards.
After the service is discontinued, they will no longer be able to access mobile data and will only be able to make calls and send SMS.
BSNL officials explained that the 4G network has been upgraded in the state, which is why the 3G service is being phased out.
The company is also working on expanding its 4G network and plans to launch 5G services across the country later this year.
What will happen to the 3G SIM now?
If 3G SIM users want to continue using mobile data, they will need to switch to a 4G SIM.
BSNL is offering a free 4G SIM in exchange for the 3G SIM. This new 4G SIM will also be compatible with 5G data in the future.
Users can visit a BSNL office to replace their SIM, but they must carry an identity card.
BSNL has already discontinued 3G services in several other regions, requiring customers to switch their SIM cards.
BSNL Customer Base Grows
Recently, the number of customers using government telecom services has increased.
This shift is mainly due to the rising prices of recharge plans by private telecom companies.
With multiple price hikes, many customers frustrated by these costs are turning to BSNL for its more affordable services.
