Vaishnaw: BSNL 5G by subsequent Aug, to be based mostly on non-standalone structure

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) may launch 5G providers on its community by August subsequent 12 months, Union Minister of Communications Ashwini Vaishnaw stated on Saturday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G providers in choose cities throughout the nation

Speaking to The Indian Express on the sidelines of the India Moble Congress, 2022, the place 5G providers had been launched within the nation, he stated, “BSNL should start rolling out 5G by August of next year. That way we will have a good three private player one public sector player ecosystem … of four competitors in the market”. He added that the tariff of 5G would stay such that “India would remain an affordable market”.

Asked how BSNL may obtain that focus on by subsequent 12 months when it’s only simply launching 4G on its community now, Vaishnaw stated that the transition from 4G to 5G will not be lengthy and may be achieved in that time-frame. He additionally clarified that originally, BSNL’s 5G can be based mostly on the non-standalone structure. In the non-standalone structure, operators can maximise the utilisation of their present community infrastructure with comparatively decrease funding.

In July, the federal government had cleared a Rs 1.64 lakh crore booster shot for the loss-making BSNL with an intention to improve the operator’s community to 4G, whereas de-stressing its steadiness sheet. The four-year turnaround plan consists of each a money element and a non-cash element.

The bundle has three essential focus areas. Firstly, the federal government will deal with upgrading BSNL providers, whereby the corporate can be administratively allotted spectrum within the 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz frequencies at the price of Rs 44,993 crore by way of fairness infusion. The authorities will fund capital expenditure value Rs 22,471 crore for deployment of indigenous 4G stack by the operator, whereas additionally offering Rs 13,789 crore of viability hole funding for working commercially unviable rural wireline operations.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had beforehand stated that the Centre will present sovereign assure to BSNL and MTNL for elevating long-term mortgage. They will have the ability to elevate long-term bonds for an quantity of Rs 40,399 crore.

To additional enhance the steadiness sheet, AGR dues of BSNL amounting to Rs 33,404 crore can be settled by conversion into fairness, and the federal government will present funds to BSNL for settling the AGR/GST dues. Further, BSNL will re-issue choice share of Rs 7,500 crore to the federal government. In addition to those measures, the Cabinet additionally permitted BSNL’s merger with Bharat Broadband Nigam Ltd — the nodal company for BharatInternet rollout — that may increase BSNL’s finer community.