Shifting from fibre networks, using home-grown wireless tech, BSNL starts a limited 5G FWA rollout in Hyderabad under its pilot phase.
State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched its 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) service in Hyderabad, Telangana, marking a limited but significant step towards expanding broadband access through wireless technology.
The development comes as part of a broader pilot initiative by the company. The launch, which was carried out last week, is based on an indigenously developed system named Quantum 5G FWA, which the company describes as India’s first SIM-less, fully home-grown FWA platform.
Currently, private telecom firms Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are the only players offering 5GFWA services using their respective spectrum holdings. BSNL’s entry makes it the first public-sector operator to introduce such a service amid ongoing efforts to modernise its offerings and regain ground in India’s telecom sector.
Unlike traditional fibre-based broadband, 5GFWA delivers internet connectivity wirelessly from nearby base stations to a modem installed at the subscriber’s premises. This setup eliminates the need for optical fibre cables, enabling quicker service deployment, particularly in areas with limited or no fibre infrastructure.
In terms of pricing and availability, BSNL has introduced two monthly tariff plans: ₹999 for speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) and ₹1,499 for up to 300Mbps.
While these rates are positioned to compete with private providers, the company has not disclosed service performance data, coverage area specifics, or installation turnaround times yet.
According to BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J Ravi, the service will be expanded in phases. He also described the current rollout as a soft launch, with further technical improvements and wider coverage expected in subsequent phases.
Despite these initial steps, the long-term impact of the initiative will depend on user response during the pilot stage, network reliability, and BSNL’s ability to scale the service beyond urban centres. But, the company has yet to announce a nationwide launch timeline or further operational details.
