BSNL introduced India’s first Mobile WiMAX service

On February 27, 2010, BSNL, the state-run telecom operator of India, launched Mobile WiMAX in Kerala. K V Thomas, Union Minister of state for Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and MP of Ernakulam MP launched the service at a function. A BSNL executive said that the company is looking forward to have at least 2,50,000 WiMAX customers by the end of 2010.

This makes BSNL the first telecom operator to launch the service in India. The Mobile WiMax technology of BSNL had been provided by AVIAT, formerly known as Hariat Stratex, a reputed wireless company that specializes in “advanced IP network migration” and works on fourth generation or Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. The Economic Times reports:

WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) technology, can provide a speed of up to 37 mbps. It is being deployed in Kerala with 900 BTS (Base Transmitting Stations) to cover the entire state, Principal General Manager, BSNL, Ernakulam, E M Abraham said.

Initially, BSNL will set up 450 BTS covering all major cities, districts and important towns which would cost about Rs. 1 billion. In the second phase, BSNL will install another 450 BTS to cover remaining towns and cities. Initially, roaming would be available within Kerala. Twenty five BTS covering Ernakulam city, Tripunithura, Kalamassery, Aluva and Angamally muncipalities had been commissioned today and another 59 BTS will be commissioned soon

The service has two data plans- Home Plan with a fixed monthly subscription fee of Rs.1000 and Business Plan which cost Rs.2000 for a bandwidth 512 to 2 mbps.