Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has rolled out eSIM services across India, marking a major shift in how subscribers connect to mobile networks.
This development follows BSNL’s earlier soft‑launch in the Tamil Nadu circle on August 15, 2025, and signals its push into modernising telecom infrastructure.
Although this is not an innovative change in the telecom sector, it marks one of the pivotal moments for BSNL users. Read on to learn more about how this can impact you, as a BSNL customer.
Tata Communications Powers BSNL’s eSIM Rollout
BSNL’s pan‑India eSIM launch is not happening in isolation; it’s built on a technical partnership with Tata Communications.
BSNL’s eSIM rollout is powered by a partnership with Tata Communications, through its subsidiary Tata Communications Collaboration Services Pvt. Ltd. (TCCSPL).
Tata is providing its GSMA-certified eSIM management platform, MOVE™, which enables BSNL to handle eSIM activations across the country.
BSNL CMD A. Robert Ravi called this a strategic step that enhances the flexibility, security, and efficiency of mobile services. Tata Communications CEO A. S. Lakshminarayanan said the partnership supports the Government’s Digital India vision and prepares the network for future growth.
Thanks to this collaboration, BSNL can now offer 2G, 3G, and 4G services via eSIM, activated remotely through secure QR codes, with no need for physical SIM cards.
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How BSNL’s eSIM Works
So how does BSNL’s eSIM service operate, and what’s the user journey? To activate BSNL esim, one can follow these steps;
- Visit a BSNL Customer Service Centre (CSC) with a device that supports eSIM and provide valid identity documents.
- Staff complete a digital KYC process.
- You receive a one‑time secure QR code from the CSC.
- Scan that QR code using your device (connected via Wi‑Fi or mobile data). The eSIM profile gets downloaded and installed, enabling service activation.
This approach works for both new subscribers and existing BSNL users who wish to switch to eSIM. The user experience is largely seamless, removing the need to physically insert or swap SIM cards.
Also Read: Buy New BSNL SIM Card Online
Advantages of BSNL eSIM
BSNL’s adoption of eSIM comes with several consumer benefits:
- No Physical Card Required: Activation is remote and instantaneous, avoiding SIM delivery delays or card slot issues.
- Dual‑SIM Capability: You can use an eSIM alongside a physical SIM (if your device supports dual SIM). For travellers, this means keeping your BSNL number active while using a local SIM abroad.
- Improved Security: eSIMs are more difficult to tamper with, misplace, or clone compared to traditional SIM cards.
- Eco-Friendly Move: Eliminating physical SIM cards reduces plastic waste — aligning with sustainable practices.
BSNL Competitors
BSNL’s entry into eSIM territory marks a significant move in India’s telecom landscape. Private giants like Jio and Airtel have already offered eSIM services. With BSNL’s pan‑India rollout, the government telco now becomes a meaningful competitor in that domain.
Additionally, this initiative dovetails with the recent launch of BSNL’s fully indigenous ‘Swadeshi’ 4G stack, inaugurated by the Prime Minister. Together, these moves help BSNL align with national goals of digital sovereignty, increased infrastructure autonomy, and broader digital inclusion.
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Things to Keep in Mind
If you are moving to BSNL eSIM, here are somt things for you to keep in your mind:
- Device Compatibility: You’ll need a smartphone (or device) that supports eSIM to use this service.
- Network Tiers: Initially, BSNL’s eSIM will support 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity — 5G readiness may follow later.
- Remote Provisioning Dependency: Activation requires a stable internet connection (Wi‑Fi or mobile data) during the QR scan process.
- Transition for Existing Users: If you already have a BSNL physical SIM, switching to eSIM requires visiting a CSC and following the KYC + QR process.
Also Read: BSNL Customer Care
The Bigger Picture & What’s Next
BSNL’s pan‑India eSIM launch underscores a commitment to modern telecom infrastructure and positions it to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving market. With the groundwork provided by Tata Communications’ MOVE platform, BSNL is better equipped to offer secure, scalable, and flexible connectivity across India.
As digital inclusion remains a government priority, the eSIM rollout may help bridge connectivity gaps in areas where physical SIM logistics are challenging. This move also gives policy signals about India’s readiness to adopt next-generation telecom norms with better control over infrastructure and sovereignty.
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