Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has recently unveiled a range of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its position in the competitive Indian telecom market, which has been largely influenced by private operators like Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). Once viewed as lagging, particularly due to an absence of 4G and 5G infrastructure, BSNL is now focusing on domestic technology solutions to introduce various customer-focused offerings while addressing a declining subscriber base. Noteworthy among the latest announcements are the Re 1 Freedom Offer, Q-5G Service, and doorstep delivery of SIM cards, all designed to attract new users and vie for market share against established players.
This report examines five of BSNL’s most significant recent announcements.
Deployment of 5G Captive Non-Public Network
On August 3, BSNL entered into a collaboration with Numaligarh Refinery Limited to establish the first 5G captive non-public network (CNPN) in the industry. This strategic agreement allows the public sector telecom provider to utilize domestic infrastructure to create a secure and efficient private 5G network.
This network will operate within the premises of the refinery and is regarded as essential for critical industrial functions.
Re. 1 Freedom Offer
On August 1, BSNL introduced a limited-time prepaid recharge plan known as the Freedom Offer, priced at just Re 1 for a validity period of 30 days. During this month, customers can access 2GB of 4G data daily, along with unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS per day. After the daily limit is reached, the data speed will be throttled to 40kbps in accordance with the fair usage policy (FUP).
This plan is exclusively available to new BSNL subscribers and will be offered from August 1 to August 31. Additionally, BSNL is providing a complimentary SIM card for those who sign up for this offer.
Rollout of 5G Services in Delhi and Other Key Cities
As part of its initial deployment of 1 lakh 4G towers, 5G services have already been activated in cities such as Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Patna.
Doorstep Delivery of SIM Cards
On June 25, BSNL launched a service that allows customers to receive SIM cards directly at their doorstep. Through a new online portal, users can order either prepaid or postpaid SIM connections and complete a self-identity verification process (KYC) from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, customers can port their existing numbers from other telecom operators to BSNL.
For any inquiries, consumers can reach out to the helpline number 1800-180-1503, according to the telecom company.
Launch of Q-5G Service, SIM-Less Quantum 5G FWA for Enterprises
On June 19, BSNL revealed the name of its forthcoming 5G service in India, titled Q-5G, which stands for Quantum 5G. Although details regarding the expected network speeds remain sparse, the company has informally launched its Q-5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service in selected regions. This service is designed for business and enterprise clients rather than general consumers.
Significantly, the FWA service employs an indigenous technology framework and eliminates the need for SIM cards or physical connections. BSNL’s 5G FWA plans start at Rs. 999 per month, offering a connectivity speed of up to 100 Mbps.
