BSNL Launches India’s First SIM-less 5G FWA Service

BSNL Launches India’s First SIM-less 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Service: Quantum 5G FWA

Launch Date: June 18, 2025

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana

Launched By: BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited)

BSNL Launches India’s First SIM-less 5G FWA Service

What is Quantum 5G FWA?

Quantum 5G FWA is India’s first SIM-less and fully indigenous Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband service introduced by BSNL. This innovative 5G service uses advanced technology to deliver high-speed internet without requiring SIM cards or fibre cables, especially in areas where fibre trenching is difficult or costly.

  • SIM-less Connectivity: Works on BSNL’s unique Direct-to-Device platform—no SIM card required.
  • Plug-and-Play Setup: Customers can self-install the gateway device at home or office without professional support.
  • Indigenous Technology: Entire network stack—core, RAN (Radio Access Network), and customer-premises equipment (CPE)—developed in India under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Features

Feature

Details

Type

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – 5G based

Speed

Up to 980 Mbps download, 140 Mbps upload

Latency

Sub-10 millisecond latency

Coverage (Hyderabad)

~85% homes covered via existing BSNL tower infrastructure

Service Scope

High-speed data only (no voice service)

Ideal For

Homes, MSMEs, enterprises, smart clusters

Quantum 5G FWA is perfect for bandwidth-heavy applications, including online gaming, cloud gaming, and remote work scenarios. Its high-speed and low-latency capabilities make it ideal for smart home devices and enterprise solutions requiring virtual servers, data storage and security. The service utilizes a self-install gateway device, allowing for easy setup without technical assistance.

Tariff Plans

BSNL introduces affordable gigabit-speed internet plans:

  • ₹999/month – Up to 100 Mbps
  • ₹1,499/month – Up to 300 Mbps

These introductory plans make Quantum 5G FWA highly competitive compared to private players in the market.

Expansion Plan

Following the successful Hyderabad launch, BSNL plans a nationwide commercial deployment of Quantum 5G FWA. The service will expand to:

  • Bengaluru
  • Pune
  • Pondicherry
  • Visakhapatnam
  • Gwalior 
  • Chandigarh

By September 2025, significantly boosting Indian digital infrastructure.

Exam Relevance & Significance

  • Promotes Digital India and rural connectivity through wireless broadband.
  • Reflects public-sector innovation in telecom.
  • Supports self-reliance in technology (Make in India).
  • Key development in India’s 5G rollout strategy.
  • Enhances Indian digital infrastructure with affordable high-speed internet.
  • Provides localised computing resources for businesses and smart cities.

Practice MCQ

What is Quantum 5G FWA recently launched by BSNL?

(a) Satellite-based broadband service

(b) Indigenous 5G mobile service 

(c) SIM-less 5G Fixed Wireless Access broadband

(d) Free public Wi-Fi initiative

Answer: (b) Indigenous 5G mobile service