BSNL Quantum 5G FWA: India’s First SIM-less 5G Broadband
Why in the news
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) introduced Quantum 5G FWA in a soft launch at Ameerpet Exchange, Hyderabad. The service targets fibre-like broadband over a 5G wireless link, with no trenching or fibre laying.
Key facts
- Service: Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
- SIM-less: customer premises equipment (CPE) authenticates itself through BSNL’s own Direct-to-Device (D2D) platform.
- Indigenous stack: core network, radio access network (RAN) and CPE, all from Indian vendors.
- Policy link: Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Place of launch: Hyderabad.
Significance
- Brings high-speed broadband where digging for cables is hard.
- A step towards self-reliance in telecom equipment.
Exam angle
- Full forms: FWA – Fixed Wireless Access; RAN – radio access network; CPE – customer premises equipment.
- Operator: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
- Claim: first indigenous SIM-less 5G FWA.