BSNL validates home-grown 5G RAN and Core
24 Oct 2024
State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has successfully tested locally developed 5G RAN (radio access network) and core using 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz spectrum bands.
BSNL is currently in the process deploying its 4G network and once completed these sites will be upgraded to 5G technology, possibly by June next year.
For both 4G and 5G networks BSNL is deploying indigenous technology and equipment, making it the first telecom operator in the country to deploy indigenous technology.
BSNL is also the second telecom operator in the country with access to the premium 700 MHz band, after Reliance Jio.
BSNL has so far deployed 39,000 4G sites and expects to deploy the remaining sites by December this year or by the end of the financial year (March 2025), telecom minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia said while speaking at the
BSNL's 4G rollout covers both rural and urban areas and the telco is adding new sites to to win customers. It has also so far refrained from raising tariffs, which helped it add new subscribers.
Besides, BSNL is offering a lot of services, including direct-to-device service (satellite to device) connectivity, a spam-free network, WiFi national roaming, public protection and disaster relief, 24-hour supply of SIM cards through kiosks and a spam-free network.
