Indigenous telecom and hardware companies have begun 5G live trials of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) network using the 700MHz spectrum in Delhi. Some of these include Lekha Wireless, VVDN Technologies, Galore Networks, TCS, and WiSig. As per the companies, the broader objectives are to reduce import bills of equipment, lessen the dependence on multinational firms, and provide cost-effective deployment options to BSNL when it launches its 5G network commercially.
Lekha Wireless has deployed a network at Minto Road, Delhi, with support from Niral Network for its core and others to support equipment by BSNL. Meanwhile, VVDN has deployed a network at Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited’s (MTNL) Chanakyapuri location, with participation from BSNL, and support of the Centre of Development of Telematics (C-DoT), and WiSiG.
Further, as per Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VoICE), Galore is deploying three sites at MTNL’s Delhi locations in Rajendra Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Shadipur. The company has also partnered with Coral Telecom to connect 5G network to legacy 3G network to ensure seamless connectivity for BSNL customers. The network architecture is open radio access network (ORAN) standalone, while core equipment is being supplied by Indian vendors.
As per VoICE, TCS has also taken up a similar trial run in Delhi. In addition, more teams led by C-DoT, Signaltron, WiSiG, BigCat Wireless, Wireless 4 Space (IIT Delhi), ITI, ECIL, Tidal Wave, and others are ready for similar 5G trial runs at multiple locations across India, if the first set of live 5G trials prove to be positive.
Moreover, the domestic companies have sought support from the centre for funding their research and development activities and urged that they get reserve quota in public and private equipment procurement.
