Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has officially entered India’s 5G landscape with the announcement of its new service brand — Q-5G (Quantum 5G). This milestone marks a major leap forward for the state-owned telecom operator, not only introducing next-gen connectivity but also unveiling a SIM-less Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution designed specifically for enterprise users. With pricing starting at Rs. 999/month, BSNL aims to re-establish its relevance in India’s fast-evolving telecom ecosystem.

Q-5G: A Name Chosen by Citizens

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), BSNL revealed the name of its 5G network: Q-5G, which stands for Quantum 5G. According to the company, the name was selected through a public campaign, highlighting the democratic and inclusive approach of BSNL in shaping its next-gen services. The branding reflects “power, speed, and the future of BSNL’s network”, aiming to project a forward-looking identity.

Quantum 5G FWA: A SIM-Less Enterprise-Grade Service

Alongside the Q-5G branding, BSNL also launched its Quantum 5G FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) service in select circles. Unlike traditional FWA offerings, BSNL’s solution is SIM-less and wire-free, setting a new benchmark for enterprise connectivity in India. It is primarily targeted at businesses, offices, and institutions, not general consumers.

Key highlights of Quantum 5G FWA:

No SIM or wired connection required

Built using homegrown technology

Optimised for high-speed data only (No voice support)

Monthly plans starting from Rs. 999

With this service, BSNL is taking a unique approach to enterprise broadband by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards and offering plug-and-play high-speed internet over 5G.

Network Expansion & Government Support

The announcement of Q-5G and Quantum FWA is part of BSNL’s broader revival strategy, which includes massive expansion of its 4G network infrastructure. BSNL recently completed the installation of 1 lakh 4G towers, with an additional 1 lakh towers planned pending Cabinet approval.

Union Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, noted that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is gearing up to seek Cabinet clearance for this next phase of expansion. This development aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening digital infrastructure in rural and underserved regions.

Future Plans: 4G, 5G and Monetisation

BSNL’s roadmap includes:

Deployment of more 4G and 5G equipment

Enhancement of service quality through indigenous technologies

Asset monetisation to improve financial sustainability

Leveraging increased tower deployment to expand rural connectivity

This holistic strategy not only modernises BSNL’s service capabilities but also lays the groundwork for a strong, financially viable state-owned telecom competitor.

Conclusion

BSNL’s Q-5G and Quantum 5G FWA initiatives mark a strategic return to the spotlight for India’s public telecom giant. With competitive enterprise offerings, citizen-driven branding, and government-backed expansion, BSNL is carving a niche for itself in the 5G era. While consumer 5G services are expected to follow soon, this enterprise-first approach could signal BSNL’s commitment to transforming into a modern, innovative, and indigenous digital provider.

Stay tuned for further updates as BSNL prepares for its full-scale 5G rollout in the coming months.