BSNL and Tata Collaboration: A Game-Changer for India's Telecommunications

By Palak Srivastava

BSNL, Tata Join Hands: The Game-Changer for India's Telecommunications Introduction Growing strong among the colossal state-owned firms in India in the telecommunications line is Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, known simply as BSNL. It has recently joined hands with Tata Consultancy Services to do the same with its ailing services in rolling over the competition posed by the private telecom giants. This is identified as one of the most imperative initiations that BSNL has taken up in the Indian telecom sector, with huge potential to change the particular industry dynamics over the long run. In the paper, the collaboration details amongst others, the background of both companies, the objectives of the partnership, and its potential impact on the telecommunication landscape of India are detailed below. Background of BSNL and Tata BSNL was founded in the year 2000 during the incorporation of the company and was a single contributor to telecommunication services for quite a few years. It has huge infrastructure set-ups located across urban and rural areas in the country. Of late, however, BSNL has been under a lot of stress due to tough competition from private players such as Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea, all of which continuously eat into the market share of the company, ultimately pushing it into losses. **TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED (TCS)** is a global information technology service and consulting company and is part of the Tata Group companies. This is intersecting well with the framework of global leadership in Information Technology because of capabilities in software development, digital transformation, and technology innovation serving end customers within business domains. Build credible history in delivering and executing large-vision projects and alliances across India and the world. unknown The Alliance: Facts and Figures BSNL pointed out that with its BSNL-TCS alliance, the company was making no attempts to change its ownership, but it had a more directed focus on up-gradation of the BSNL telecom infrastructure as well as service offerings in order to emerge in a better stance with respect to competition within the market. The salient features of the association are: 1. 5G Roll Out: The partnership, in essence, would render support to BSNL's rollout of 5G services. This will involve infrastructure that is upgraded from the present condition and deployment of new technology solutions which come to offer seamless connectivity and high-speed internet services. 2. Indigenous 4G Technology: TCS would also support BSNL in introducing indigenous 4G technology with the help of the company's subsidiary, Tejas Networks. This would be in sync with the initiative that the Centre had taken to become self-reliant in technology and bring down dependence on foreign vendors. 3. Network Modernization: Besides, support for Network Modernization from TCS will involve the upscaling of various legacy equipment and induction of new technology with an aim to bring in efficiency and reliability to the network of BSNL. 4. Digital Transformation: The tie-up is going to help BSNL in the due process of digitization with state-of-the-art IT solutions, also comprising customer service and improvement in operational efficiency. 5. Project Value: The deal will value approx ₹26,000 crore ($3.5 billion), and hence it is one of the biggest deals in the Indian telecom sector. Objectives of the Collaboration The multiple objectives of the BSNL-Tata collaboration are as follows: 1. This will help BSNL restore its market position, which has recently declined, and help launch better services and products than the private telecom operators. 2. This cooperation will provide better connectivity between the remotest parts of the country via BSNL. 3. The move will allow BSNL and its customers to deploy the latest in technology that can individually be termed indigenously developed under the aegis of the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' goals, visualized by the government. 4. Best-in-class Customer Experience: Modernization of Infrastructure will be enabled and there will be the resolving of service-related issues vis-à-vis best-in-class customer experience. 5.Service Offering Expansion: This partnership shall enable BSNL to include services that are much awaited by the public, especially 5G services, known as game changers in the Indian Telecom sector. Indian Telecom Industry: Impact The alliance of BSNL and TCS shall be leaving its mark in the Indian telecom sector in the below ways, sourceMapping: Greater Competition: Upgraded services and infrastructure of BSNL shall bring in more competition for private operators like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. This will be in the best interest of the consumers, however. 2. Indigenous Technology for Fillip: Indigenous 4G and 5G technology solutions to significantly enhance and boost the indigenous technology sector, thereby reducing the country's dependency on foreign vendors for telecom equipment. 3. Enhanced Rural Connectivity: The large network of BSNL formed in rural and remote areas will sharply increase connectivity and offer high speed of broadband in unserved and underserved areas throughout the length and breadth of the country. 4. Strong Digital Infrastructure: This partnership would work toward a digital infrastructure in the country that, more than anything else, would support the vision of the government for a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. prime 5. Growth in Economy: The initiative would most likely enable the creation of job opportunities and boost the overall economic growth of a nation. Challenges and Considerations While there is potential for collaboration between BSNL and TCS, there are huge challenges and issues surrounding the implementation. 1. Implementation Challenges: Presently, the up-gradation of the existing infrastructure, along with the deployment of new technology solutions, is being done. How the smooth transition can be done without any disruption to the existing services is a challenge. 2. Financial Constraints: BSNL has been suffering a roller-coaster ride in terms of its financial performance for quite a long period, and how this collaboration shapes up on the financial front will be the real test. 3. Regulatory Hurdles: The Indian telecom sector is heavily regulated, and the joint venture would have to get through various regulatory compliances and approvals. 4. Adoption of New Technologies: The relationship would also be impelled by new technologies that the BSNL workforce and its customers would adopt. Conclusion The relationship between BSNL and Tata Consultancy Services is going to be a record event in the annals of the Indian Telecom Sector. This strategic relationship would enable BSNL to widen the market, improve connectivity, and encourage indigenous technology solutions. There is no denying the fact that all this indeed comes with challenges, but this can be another joint venture that will bring about the change in the face of the telecom sector in India when it comes to helping the digital transformation process. How far BSNL and TCS realize their objectives will be looked upon with interest by industry players, stakeholders, and consumers alike. By Palak Srivastava