BSNL WiFi Calling Test: Can It Make You Switch From Airtel or Jio?

New Delhi: After BSNL launched its WiFi Calling service, many wondered if the government telecom operator’s network has finally become reliable enough for daily use. To find out, we tested BSNL WiFi Calling and here’s what we discovered—along with whether it can really replace your Airtel or Jio connection.

Setting Up Isn’t Easy
Unlike Airtel and Jio, where users can simply toggle WiFi Calling in phone settings, BSNL subscribers face a more complicated process. The WiFi Calling option only appears after visiting a BSNL office to activate VoLTE service. Only then could we enable WiFi Calling on our devices. For BSNL to truly attract users, this cumbersome government-style process needs to change.

Performance and Experience
Once activated, the WiFi Calling experience was fairly smooth. Calls connected quickly over home or office WiFi, and the conversation quality was good. However, in rooms where BSNL’s network was completely absent, WiFi Calling struggled. This is because WiFi Calling still requires minimal network connectivity to work. Additionally, switching WiFi off and back on sometimes caused the service to fail. While BSNL has launched the feature, consistent usability remains a challenge.

BSNL 4G Performance
We also tested BSNL’s 4G network, which delivered 26–35 Mbps download speeds but only 1–2 Mbps upload speeds, indicating network instability. To use BSNL 4G effectively, users often have to switch the carrier network from auto to manual, adding another layer of inconvenience.

Should You Consider Switching to BSNL?
For most users, the answer is not yet. BSNL may work for people who primarily stay at home and rely on WiFi, but for those on the go, network instability and the cumbersome setup make it difficult to recommend as a primary number. Despite private operators raising mobile plan costs, BSNL has an opportunity to attract users—but only if it fixes these issues and simplifies WiFi Calling activation.