The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has invited e-tenders from qualified firms for leasing the metro pillar spaces to install 5G small cells with an aim to improve the network connectivity and mobile network coverage along the East-West Line, North-South Line of Phase-1, and Reaches 5 and 6.
The project is structured as a single-stage, two-cover system that provides specific pillar spaces in the elevated metro sections for the installation of telecom equipment.
BMRCL was the first metro operator in India to test 5G network, in 2022, under a pilot project of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The system, which includes an outdoor small cell (ODSC) and distributed antenna system (DAS) installed by Reliance Jio, was tested at the MG Road Metro station. The ODSC emitted signals that reached up to 200 metres.
During the trials, initial bandwidth tests recorded download speeds of 1.45 Gbps and upload speeds of 65 Mbps, making it 50 times faster than 4G. A two-kilometre segment between MG Road and Ulsoor Metro stations has been designated for the 5G pilot project.
Further, the upcoming project is aimed to foster collaboration with telecom operators to enhance Bengaluru’s technological ecosystem while also generating additional revenue. The bid for the same will be opened on January 30, 2025.
