BSNL Announces Q-5G Service in India, Launches SIM-Less Quantum 5G FWA for Enterprises in Select Circles

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) announced the name of its 5G service via its social media handle on Wednesday. It is dubbed Q-5G, short for Quantum 5G. This move comes nearly a week after the state-owned telecommunications provider invited public input for naming its 5G services before it commences trial. Further, BSNL has also launched the Q-5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service in select circles, promising “blazing fast” network speeds and a SIM-less operation.

BSNL Q-5G Announced

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), BSNL announced the Q-5G service in India. As per the state-owned telecom operator, this name has been chosen by citizens and reflects the “power, speed, and future of BSNL’s 5G network”.

Meanwhile, it also introduced the Quantum 5G FWA in select Indian circles. It is an internet lease line on 5G FWA aimed at businesses and enterprises, not end consumers. BSNL claims it to be the first 5G FWA which does not require a SIM or wires. The service is said to be deployed using “home grown” technology.

As per the telecom operator, Quantum 5G FWA will enable “only high speed data without voice”. Prices for the BSNL Quantum 5G FWA in India will begin at Rs. 999 per month.

This development comes a week after BSNL invited public input for naming its 5G service in India. Further, its 4G services will also be improved with the deployment of one lakh additional 4G towers, in addition to the existing one lakh which were successfully installed by last month.

At the time, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications reportedly said that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will seek cabinet approval for expansion of the state-owned telecom operator’s 4G services.

“After successfully installing 100,000 towers with optimal 4G equipment, we will approach the Cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve another 100,000 towers”, the minister reportedly told a publication.

Additionally, BSNL also aims to plan more 4G and 5G equipment alongside monetising its assets by increasing its cash flow.