BSNL also introduced several new services aimed at boosting network security, affordability and user accessibility
Indian state-run operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has officially announced its anticipated 5G rollout, with services expected to launch in 2025 following successful network trials, according to local press reports.
The confirmation of the 5G launch was made by Union Minister of Communications and Development for the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The operator has completed trials for its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and core network across 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz frequency bands.
Scindia also stated that, by mid-2025, BSNL plans to establish 100,000 4G sites nationwide, many of which will later transition to 5G as part of a phased rollout. The telco has already deployed 36,000 4G sites. The 5G trials, conducted in collaboration with the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and local manufacturers, demonstrated the successful use of domestically sourced equipment and solutions, the official said.
In addition to announcing its upcoming 5G launch, BSNL also introduced several new services aimed at boosting network security, affordability and user accessibility. Some of the new service include:
-Direct-to-Device Connectivity: BSNL’s new Direct-to-Device solution combines satellite and terrestrial networks, offering seamless connectivity especially in remote or disaster-hit areas where traditional networks may be unavailable.
-Disaster Relief Network: The telco noted that a dedicated emergency network will support government agencies, with drones and balloon-based systems extending coverage during emergencies.
-Private 5G for Mining Operations: In partnership with C-DAC, BSNL’s 5G service for mining provides a low-latency, high-speed network for applications like AI and IoT in mines, facilitating real-time safety monitoring and remote operations.
A consortium led by Indian conglomerate Tata Group received an order from BSNL in May 2023 to install 4G sites nationwide, with Tejas Networks and government-backed C-DoT providing the necessary equipment and technology.
BSNL is targeting a 20% market share of the country’s overall mobile market by the end of 2024 by accelerating the rollout of its 4G network, according to previous press reports, while the government recently set a new target of 25% of the market by end-2025.
Over the last several years, BSNL has lost market share to rival telcos Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel due to the lack of extended 4G coverage across the country. BSNL lost 18 million customers in the last fiscal year, bringing its customer base to 88.06 million. The market share of BSNL has also decreased to 7.46% as of April 2024.
The government of India previously announced it will set up a project management unit (PMU) for BSNL, through which the carrier will be monitored on a daily basis with regard to its ongoing 4G deployment.
The PMU will be set along with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tejas Networks and the government’s Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), with which BSNL is currently deploying its 4G network using indigenous technologies.
BSNL previously noted it started the testing of its 5G indigenous technology at three places in India’s capital New Delhi: Nehru Place, Chanakyapuri and Minto Road.
