BSNL 5G Launch: ₹61,000 Cr Spectrum Deal to Boost India
Introduction
India's telecom sector is undergoing a digital revolution. After the successful rollout of 5G services by private telecom giants like Jio and Airtel, the public sector telecom operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), is all set to join the 5G race.
In a recent development, BSNL has received a whopping ₹61,000 crore worth of 5G spectrum, a significant move that will enable it to launch its own 5G services across India.
This spectrum allocation marks a major step toward strengthening BSNL’s position and fulfilling the government’s vision of Digital India and affordable connectivity for all.
📖 Read Also: MBA Notes Chapter-wise – Business Communication, HR, Finance
What is 5G and Why Does It Matter?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication technology. It promises ultra-fast internet speeds, low latency, and support for technologies like IoT, smart cities, and remote healthcare.
In India, 5G is not just an upgrade but a key to economic growth and digital inclusion.
BSNL’s Journey So Far
BSNL has been serving India since 2000, especially in rural and remote areas where private operators have limited reach. But delays in 4G rollout caused BSNL to fall behind competitors like Jio and Airtel.
Now, with this 5G opportunity, BSNL plans to leapfrog directly into the next generation of connectivity.
₹61,000 Crore Worth of Spectrum: What Does It Mean?
Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) allocated BSNL spectrum worth ₹61,000 crore across these frequency bands:
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700 MHz – Ideal for rural areas
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3300 MHz – Suitable for urban zones
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26 GHz – For high-speed internet in cities
This move is a part of the ₹1.64 lakh crore revival package by the Indian government to strengthen BSNL.
📢 Related: BSNL to Roll Out 5G Network with Indigenous Technology
When Will BSNL Launch 5G?
BSNL is expected to launch 5G by end of 2024 or early 2025. Pilot testing is already underway in selected cities. The rollout will start with metros and expand gradually.
The plan is to use a Made-in-India 5G stack, developed in partnership with C-DOT and TCS under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
How Will BSNL 5G Be Different from Jio and Airtel?
| Feature | BSNL | Jio | Airtel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Government | Private | Private |
| Tech Stack | Indigenous | 100% Indian | Ericsson/Nokia |
| Rural Focus | High | Medium | Medium |
| Plan Pricing | Affordable | Competitive | Premium |
BSNL aims to provide cheaper plans with wider rural coverage compared to private players.
Benefits of BSNL 5G for Users
1. Affordable Data Plans
BSNL is likely to offer low-cost 5G plans to connect more Indians to high-speed internet.
2. Better Coverage
The 700 MHz spectrum allows deeper penetration in remote areas, where private players may not invest.
3. Support for Local Startups
BSNL’s 5G can boost Indian startups building apps in health, agriculture, and education sectors.
4. Smooth Streaming & Gaming
5G means zero-lag in mobile gaming, video calls, and HD video streaming.
5. Boost to Public Services
BSNL can power public Wi-Fi hotspots, smart cities, and govt digital services.
Impact on Rural India
BSNL is known for serving Bharat, not just India. Here’s how rural India will benefit:
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Online classes for village students
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Remote healthcare in interior areas
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IoT-enabled farming for smart agriculture
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Digital banking via UPI and mobile apps
This will bring real digital empowerment to every village.
Support from the Indian Government
The Centre is backing BSNL with:
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₹1.64 lakh crore revival package
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Administrative spectrum allocation
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Funding for infra and tower expansion
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Focus on Make-in-India 5G
This aligns with national goals like Digital India, BharatNet, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
🧠 Helpful Resource: What is BharatNet Project?
BSNL 5G vs Jio and Airtel
| Criteria | BSNL 5G | Jio 5G | Airtel 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Value | ₹61,000 Cr | ₹88,078 Cr | ₹43,084 Cr |
| Launch Date | 2024-25 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Indigenous Stack | Yes | Yes | No |
| Focus | Public service + rural | Mass market | Urban, enterprise |
Challenges BSNL May Face
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Late entry in 5G
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Outdated infrastructure
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Competition from Jio and Airtel
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Customer perception
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Execution delays
BSNL’s Strategy to Overcome Challenges
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Tie-ups with C-DOT, TCS, and ITI Limited
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Focus on indigenous technology
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Hiring and training new engineers
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Strengthening the fiber network
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Upgrading towers and BTS
Conclusion
BSNL’s ₹61,000 crore 5G spectrum allocation is a game-changing moment. If implemented well, it could make BSNL a serious contender again, and more importantly, it will help bring affordable high-speed internet to India’s rural and underserved population.
The next few months will be crucial, as we watch a public sector giant take on the private telecom titans in a high-stakes digital race. If successful, BSNL’s 5G launch could become a case study in government-led innovation and digital inclusion.
This is more than a telecom upgrade — it’s a step toward digital equality.
FAQs
Q1: When will BSNL launch 5G?
BSNL is expected to launch 5G by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Q2: Will BSNL’s 5G be cheaper than Jio and Airtel?
Yes, BSNL is likely to introduce more affordable plans.
Q3: Will BSNL 5G work in villages?
Yes, BSNL’s 700 MHz spectrum is designed for rural coverage.
Q4: Is BSNL using Indian 5G technology?
Yes, BSNL will use a completely
indigenous 5G stack built
under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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