The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated 5G spectrum worth ₹61,000 crore to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), boosting the state-owned telecom operator’s efforts to expand its next-generation network. This allotment includes access to both premium 700MHz and mid-band 3300MHz spectrum, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Following the spectrum allocation, BSNL has reportedly initiated 5G trial runs in select areas, including New Delhi. Some of these 5G towers are anticipated to go live by June 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s nationwide rollout strategy.
In parallel, BSNL is actively deploying over 1 lakh 4G towers across India. Of these, nearly 80,000 sites are already functional and are expected to be upgraded to support 5G services in the near future.
The company is also introducing its 5G network using a Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model. In a related development, Tidal Wave has implemented a private 5G network for Coal India on the 3500MHz spectrum band.
While private operators like Airtel and Jio already offer 5G connectivity across the country, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has recently begun introducing its 5G services in key cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.
BSNL has witnessed a growth in its user base following tariff hikes by private telecom providers in 2024. Known for offering cost-effective recharge plans with generous data benefits, BSNL continues to appeal to budget-conscious consumers. With its expanding 4G infrastructure and upcoming 5G launch, the company is expected to strengthen its presence in the competitive telecom market.
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