India’s state-run telecom operator BSNL is on the cusp of launching its 5G network after the stabilization of its ongoing 4G deployment, as confirmed by the country’s Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The rollout will initially target 100,000 subscribers, focusing on 5G Standalone services and Fixed Wireless Access. Key Highlights:

• BSNL will launch 5G after 4G network stabilization meets quality benchmarks.
• No foreign technology will be used in BSNL’s 5G rollout.
• 100,000 users will be targeted in phase one.
• 5G services will be offered in 779 out of 783 districts.

“Once the 100,000 towers will be put up and the network is stabilized, once we see that the QoS is up to the mark, and then we start switching. Moving from 4G to 5G is not that difficult,” said Scindia.

Foreign Participation

The Indian government has ruled out foreign participation in BSNL’s 5G deployment. “We have developed our own core and RAN. Why should we forgo our indigenous technology for foreign players?” Scindia said. The telco had received interest from three companies for deploying its 5G Standalone (SA) network in Delhi, covering 1,876 sites across the national capital. However, only three companies, Tejas Networks, Lekha Wireless, and Galore Network, have moved forward in the process. Tejas Networks, already engaged in BSNL’s 4G rollout, is providing the telco with an indigenous 4G stack, which can be upgraded to 5G. 5G Rollout Details

BSNL first announced the tender in November 2024 to kickstart 5G operations in Delhi. The telco aims to work with two separate service providers as primary and secondary 5G as-a-service (5GaaS) providers. The primary provider will deploy one 5G SA core network and a 5G-RAN (Radio Access Network) using hardware from up to two original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Similarly, the secondary provider will install 5G-RAN equipment from a maximum of two OEMs. The selected bidders will be responsible for the planning, design, equipment supply, deployment, and ongoing management of the 5G network within the licensed service area (LSA). Initial Rollout

The 5G rollout will initially target 100,000 subscribers, with plans to introduce 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services. BSNL has already tested its 5G indigenous technology at three locations in New Delhi — Nehru Place, Chanakyapuri and Minto Road. The 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. Export Potential

Scindia emphasized that India has achieved significant progress in deploying 5G networks at an unprecedented pace.