C-DoT, a state-run telecommunications technology development center, anticipates the deployment of domestically produced 5G telecom equipment in the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) network within the next 6-8 months, according to a senior company official.
Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), informed PTI that the organization has successfully developed the complete 5G network, which includes 5G standalone (SA) radio, core, and IP Multimedia System in collaboration with Wisig, a startup, and VVDN Technologies.
During the India Mobile Congress 2023, C-DoT demonstrated the functionality of the test network setup using its 5G equipment in a live video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We have already implemented 4G and 5G non-standalone core in the Punjab circle of BSNL and are gradually expanding it to a pan-India level. The technology we showcased is 5G SA, which will be rolled out in the BSNL network within 6-8 months after undergoing thorough testing,” Upadhyay explained to PTI.
Currently, only Reliance Jio possesses a 5G SA network in the country, signifying that its entire network is 5G and does not include a blend of technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G.
PK Purwar, Chairman, and Managing Director of BSNL, has previously stated that the company plans to introduce 4G services in December and 5G services after June 2024.
Upadhyay also revealed that once the C-DoT 5G equipment is launched in the BSNL network and begins managing high-volume traffic in India, the organization will explore the possibility of selling the technology to foreign telecom operators.
“We anticipate that private operators will start showing interest in it after it is deployed in the BSNL network and starts handling significant traffic in India. We have already received inquiries from foreign telecom operators,” he added.
Furthermore, Upadhyay emphasized that India currently faces a substantial trade deficit of approximately USD 60 billion in the electronics sector, and the development and implementation of indigenous 5G telecom equipment could play a crucial role in narrowing this gap. (PTI)
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