Department of Posts and BSNL Collaborate to Expand Mobile Services Across India

The Department of Posts (DoP) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have entered into an agreement to broaden BSNL's mobile connectivity across India. This collaboration will utilise the extensive network of over 1.65 lakh post offices to distribute BSNL SIM cards and offer mobile recharge services nationwide, according to an official statement.

The initiative aims to make BSNL's telecom services more accessible, especially in remote areas with limited connectivity. By using post offices as service points, the partnership seeks to bridge the digital divide and empower rural households with mobile services. This aligns with the broader goals of Digital India, financial inclusion, and socio-economic development.

Expanding Reach Through Postal Network

India Post's extensive reach, covering nearly every village and town, will serve as a crucial last-mile channel for BSNL. This will help enhance BSNL's presence in both urban and rural areas. The initiative is designed to make telecom services more affordable and accessible for citizens across the country.

The proof of concept was initially implemented in Assam, where it demonstrated significant success. This success indicates its potential as a scalable model for a nationwide rollout. The collaboration between DoP and BSNL aims to replicate this success across India.

Operational Details of the Partnership

Under this partnership, post offices will function as Points of Sale (PoS) for BSNL SIM cards and mobile recharges. BSNL will supply SIM stock and provide necessary training, while DoP will handle customer onboarding and facilitate secure transactions in a standardised manner.

This strategic move is expected to enhance connectivity in underserved regions, making telecom services more accessible to those who need them most. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to advance digital inclusion and socio-economic development across India.

The partnership between DoP and BSNL represents a significant step towards improving mobile connectivity in India. By leveraging the vast postal network, this initiative aims to bring telecom services closer to people in both urban and rural areas, fostering greater digital inclusion.

With inputs from PTI