BSNL to launch 5G soon as trials completed says Vivek Dua

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to launch its 5G services soon, following the successful completion of pilot testing and trials for upgrading its existing 4G network, according to Vivek Dua, Principal General Manager (PGM) CDN at the state-owned telecom company.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi, Dua stated, “We already have done the testing for the 5G. Our network, which is 4G right now, is upgradable and the trials already are in the field. So very soon we'll be rolling out our 5G stuff also.”

This development comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s fully indigenous 4G stack and 1 lakh BSNL indigenous 4G towers in Jharsuguda, Odisha, on September 27. The rollout of 5G is expected to complement the existing 4G infrastructure and enhance connectivity across urban and rural regions.

On the country’s growing focus on satellite communication, Dua highlighted the potential of satellite technology combined with fibre and radio networks to address connectivity gaps across India’s diverse terrain. He said, “Because of the kind of territory that we live in and the kind of connectivity that we are expecting to give to our citizens, this is one technology which has a very, very high potential.”

Dua also emphasised the importance of international investment in accelerating India’s SATCOM initiatives. “By bringing in investment from our international partners, that will really help the country to go really fast on this path,” he said, underlining the complementary role of satellite connectivity alongside existing fibre and radio networks to democratize access to digital services.

On BSNL’s ongoing transformation, Dua acknowledged both government support and internal reforms. “The government has really invested a lot in the last three years... And at the same time, the management in BSNL is putting a lot of effort, which is very customer-centric, to bring customer delight,” he said. He added that the customer base and satisfaction levels have improved over the past year.

Dua also referred to the BharatNet program, which aims to connect all villages in India, noting that current investment levels are adequate to enable connectivity across both urban and rural areas.

Looking ahead, he said artificial intelligence (AI) will play a key role in the evolution from 5G to 6G. “The way things have evolved from 4G to 5G, the role of AI is the key thing in the 6G network, and the automation in the network the self-learning, self-healing aspects are again very consumer-centric and the networks really are going to bring that benefit to customers,” he added.

BSNL’s 5G launch is expected to bolster India’s digital infrastructure, complement satellite communication initiatives, and further expand the reach of high-speed connectivity across the country.