In a major move to boost India’s digital infrastructure, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated 5G spectrum worth ₹61,000 crore to state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The allocation includes access to the premium 700MHz band and the widely-used 3300MHz mid-band spectrum.
With this allocation, BSNL has officially commenced 5G trial runs in select locations, including New Delhi. Some of the trial towers are expected to go live by June 2025. The telco is also aggressively expanding its existing 4G infrastructure, having already operationalized over 80,000 out of a planned 1 lakh 4G towers nationwide. These 4G sites will soon be upgraded to support 5G services.
BSNL is rolling out its 5G services using the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model, aligning with modern telecom deployment trends. In a related development, Tidal Wave has launched a private 5G network for Coal India using the 3500MHz band—highlighting the growing adoption of private 5G across industries.
The expansion comes at a strategic time for BSNL, which has seen a rise in subscribers following the 2024 price hikes by private telecom players. Known for its affordable data-rich plans, BSNL is positioning itself as a value-driven alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
With robust 4G infrastructure and an impending 5G rollout, BSNL is poised to play a pivotal role in making next-gen connectivity accessible across India.
