Context:

On 18 June 2025, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) soft-launched Quantum 5G FWA, India’s first 100% indigenous, SIM-less 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution in Hyderabad. This launch marks a critical milestone in India’s digital infrastructure journey, especially in the context of self-reliance and affordable broadband expansion.

What is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)?

• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a broadband technology that delivers high-speed internet using radio signals, eliminating the need for physical fibre cables. A base station transmits signals to a receiver installed at the user’s premises, offering a cost-effective and rapidly deployable alternative to traditional fibre-based services.
• FWA is particularly useful in regions where fibre infrastructure is difficult or expensive to install. It is suited for in-home, non-mobile broadband usage and has shown high customer satisfaction globally, comparable to fibre.

Key Features of Quantum 5G FWA:

1. SIM-less Architecture

Quantum 5G FWA uses BSNL’s Direct-to-Device platform, allowing automatic authentication of the customer premises equipment (CPE) without requiring a physical SIM card. This simplifies setup and enhances user experience.

2. Fully Indigenous Technology

Developed entirely by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the core network, radio access network (RAN), and CPE represent a fully home-grown 5G solution. This reduces dependency on foreign technology and strengthens India’s telecom sovereignty.

3. High-Speed Performance

Demonstrations in Hyderabad showed download speeds of 980 Mbps and upload speeds of 140 Mbps, with latency under 10 milliseconds. These figures support UHD streaming, cloud-based applications, and real-time remote work.

4. Rapid, Fibre-Free Deployment

The FWA solution covers 85% of households in Hyderabad using BSNL’s existing tower network, requiring no trenching or cable installation. This is particularly advantageous in underserved or infrastructure-deficient areas.

Rollout Plan

Pilot deployments are scheduled in:

• Bengaluru
• Pondicherry
• Visakhapatnam
• Pune
• Gwalior
• Chandigarh

Enterprise Use and Future Outlook

The same 5G standalone (SA) core infrastructure will support enterprise-grade services such as edge computing, network slicing, and SLA-backed connectivity. BSNL plans to target MSMEs, industrial parks, and smart manufacturing zones with these capabilities, creating a foundation for smart industry applications.

Strategic Significance

Quantum 5G FWA positions BSNL as a first mover in India’s public sector 5G ecosystem. It marks a departure from foreign vendor dependence and highlights India’s engineering capabilities in telecom. The focus on SIM-less design, indigenous manufacturing, and rural-ready deployment makes this launch particularly aligned with national objectives of digital inclusion and self-reliance.

The launch event saw participation from BSNL’s Board, senior DoT officials, industry representatives, and academic collaborators—signalling institutional support for indigenous telecom innovation.

Conclusion

Quantum 5G FWA represents a significant leap in India’s digital connectivity strategy. By combining high-speed access with indigenous design and a simplified delivery model, BSNL is laying the groundwork for scalable, future-ready broadband access across India.