BSNL Focussing On Pricing And Infra To Compete In 5G Era: Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal

With a sharp focus on 5G and satellite communication (SATCOM), India’s telecom sector is undergoing a surge in research and development. To support this momentum, the government is extending support through the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), aimed at nurturing startups in these cutting-edge domains, said Neeraj Mittal, Telecom Secretary and Chairman of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in a conversation with Outlook Business.

Edited Excerpts:

The recent recommendation of spectrum lease has created affordable options for telecom startups, but it will also intensify competition between startups and telecom giants. How will the government be preparing to support telecom startups?

The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) supports startups developing 5G and IoT technologies through grants, fostering R&D and boosting the digital transformation agenda.

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) offers reimbursement for testing and certification costs for telecom startups and MSEs, with funding up to Rs 50 lakhs per entity, sourced from TTDF and Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), capped at Rs 25 crores over two years.

As BSNL gears up again by launching 5G, what would be one strategy to pace up with the private players?

BSNL is focusing on affordable pricing and infrastructure to compete in the 5G era. Its strategy includes: Affordable Pricing & Data Security: Competitive pricing with value-added services like IoT and edge computing, emphasizing data security as a key differentiator; 5G Infrastructure Upgrade: Revitalising its 4G infrastructure, with over 73,000 towers out of 100,000 towers planned upgraded under the "Make in India" initiative — BSNL has plans to upgrade the 4G network to 5G network with strategic migration options; Rural Connectivity Expansion: Deploying additional 26,000 new towers in underserved regions, bridging the urban–rural divide with high-speed 5G connectivity.

These initiatives align with the "Digital India" vision, making BSNL's offerings secure, inclusive, and affordable.

India's Bharat 6G alliance and the European telecom industry organization Industry are planning to establish a partnership. What will be the objective and key features of this partnership?

India's Bharat 6G Alliance signed an MoU with Europe's 6G-IA on March 22, 2024, to develop globally harmonised standards for Beyond 5G and 6G, focusing on use cases, architecture, and core requirements. The Alliance also partnered with 6G Flagship at Oulu University, Germany's NGMN Alliance, and 5G ACIA to share information, participate in global forums, and advance technology, strengthening India's global role in next-generation networks.

How does the government envision convergence between 5G, satellite communication, and AI-driven applications to create a robust and future-ready digital ecosystem in India? 

The Satellite communications will primarily be used to provide broadband services. However advanced telecommunications technologies are converging to create a robust digital ecosystem including the integration of satellite communications with terrestrial 5G networks. This development is paving the way for smartphones to receive satellite connectivity when traditional base stations are unavailable. This development promises uninterrupted connectivity across remote and disaster-affected regions, significantly bridging the digital divide.

BSNL recently demonstrated India’s first Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity service—offering two-way messaging through a convergence of satellite and mobile networks—at the India Mobile Congress 2024. Additionally, India’s active role in international standardization through the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) and participation in 3GPP’s Release 17 initiatives underscores the nation’s commitment to setting global benchmarks for integrated digital solutions.