The Silicon Review ^Asia

Through ambitious ‘carpet WiFi’ networks, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) eyes to roll out voice telephony over WiFi (VoWiFi) to ensure seamless coverage.

“We are going to ask companies to deploy networks with advanced equipment so as to take care of WiFi calls wherein BSNL can provide bandwidth on a revenuesharing model,” BSNL Chairman Anupam Shrivastava told The Economic Times.

Mr.Shrivastavasaidthe move through a revenue-sharing arrangement with corporations bringing in hardware capabilities aims to first bring carpet or unbroken WiFi network in select locations or parts of cities.

BSNL is identifying tier-II and tier-III cities and highways to deploythe networks, which according to Mr.Shrivastava, would be in complete conformity with the newly unveiled policy.

“The advantage of WiFi is that it comes with free spectrum charge and we see opportunity in rolling out as many as possible WiFi hotspots in the country,” the official added.

The official added that BSNL was ready to deploy incremental optic fibre for the service roll out, if needed.

“Even for fifth generation (5G) technology services, fiberisation is required. 5G and WiFi have some common elements and require backend fibre,”Mr. Shrivastava said.

According to the ET report, private sector rival Reliance Jio also plans to roll out VoWiFi. The service provider is testing the service in select regions.