BSNL to close wimax 4G service in some circles

State-run telecom firm BSNL has decided to close down wimax service in some circles where there are less customers and sites are faulty.

"There are around 1.15 to 1.2 lakh wimax customers on BSNL network across 20 BSNL telecom circles. We have asked for (wimax) data from some circles where there are few customers or sites are faulty and then BSNL will take final call on closure of wimax service at some locations," an official of the telecom major told PTI.

BSNL was the first in the country to deploy 4G service using wimax technology on broadband wireless spectrum allocated to it.

The company later surrendered Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) spectrum in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kolkata.

While the government has divided the country in 22 telecom circles, BSNL has structured itself in 24 circles and two telecom districts (Chennai and Kolkata).

The official said that except six telecom circles, wimax service is now available in 20 BSNL telecom circles.

BSNL has written a letter to circle managers in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Jharkhand for providing wimax business status.

"The service will continue where we have good number of customers," the official said.

The state-run telecom firm has decided to provide 4G service on revenue share model. The company selected through tender process will manage the networks while BSNL would share its revenue with the successful bidder.

Last month, the company did a soft launch of 4G service in Chandigarh on the same model using LTE technology.