BSNL Soft Launches Quantum 5G FWA in Hyderabad; Plans Start at Rs 999

Last week, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) introduced the BSNL Quantum 5G FWA in a soft launch. This innovative fixed-wireless-access solution offers fibre-like speeds using 5G radio technology without requiring a SIM card. The service was inaugurated at BSNL's Ameerpet Exchange by Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, Chairman & Managing Director of BSNL/MTNL.

"Quantum 5G FWA demonstrates how Indian engineers can create world-class connectivity. It is the first SIM-less, 100% home-grown customised 5G FWA for BSNL," stated Shri Ravi. "Hyderabad's tech-savvy ecosystem makes it the perfect launch pad for our next-generation access portfolio. Today is only a soft launch—many more cities and feature upgrades will follow."

SIM-less Architecture and Indigenous Design

The Quantum 5G FWA features a SIM-less architecture built on BSNL's Direct-to-Device platform, allowing customer equipment to auto-authenticate without needing a physical SIM card. This makes BSNL the first Indian operator to showcase a production-grade SIM-less 5G service. The entire system, including core, RAN, and CPE, has been designed and integrated by Indian vendors under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme.

In terms of performance, the Ameerpet location recorded impressive speeds of 980 Mbps for downloads and 140 Mbps for uploads with latency under 10 milliseconds. These speeds are ideal for ultra-high-definition streaming, cloud gaming, and remote work applications.

Installation and Expansion Plans

The self-install gateway can reach 85% of Hyderabad households using the existing BSNL tower grid, eliminating the need for trenching or fibre installation. Following this soft launch, pilot expansions are planned for Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Gwalior, and Chandigarh by September 2025.

BSNL has also revealed introductory tariff plans: Rs 999 for 100 Mbps and Rs 1499 for 300 Mbps services. Additionally, the same 5G SA core will support network-sliced links with SLA backing for MSMEs and smart-manufacturing clusters.

Positioning as a Pioneer in Indigenous Technology

This controlled launch aims to fine-tune customer experiences before a nationwide commercial rollout based on field feedback. By offering indigenous 5G radio and SIM-less authentication through Quantum 5G FWA, BSNL positions itself as a pioneer in India's telecommunications sector.

Via