Key Points
- BSNL has officially named its 5G service “Q-5G” (Quantum 5G), signaling a new era for the state-owned telecom giant.
- The company launched Q-5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), targeting high-speed, SIM-free internet for businesses and homes, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
- Q-5G FWA offers speeds starting at 100 Mbps for ₹999/month, with a premium 300 Mbps plan at ₹1,499/month.
- The service is currently available in Hyderabad, with expansion plans for Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Vishakhapatnam, Pune, Gwalior, and Chandigarh by September 2025.
- Unlike traditional mobile 5G, Q-5G FWA is data-only and does not support voice calls.
New Delhi: On June 18, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) announced its much-anticipated 5G service, officially branded as Q-5G short for Quantum 5G. The new name, revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reflects BSNL’s ambition to deliver cutting-edge speed, reliability, and a future-ready network to Indian users.
What is BSNL Q-5G FWA?
Q-5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is BSNL’s latest offering, designed to bridge the digital divide in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities where optical fiber infrastructure is limited or absent. Unlike traditional mobile 5G, Q-5G FWA is a data-only service, providing high-speed internet without voice capabilities ideal for enterprises, remote offices, and residential users seeking robust connectivity.
How Does It Work?
- SIM-Free & Wireless: Customers don’t need a SIM card or wired connection. Instead, BSNL installs a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) a device placed on the rooftop which captures the 5G signal and delivers internet via a Wi-Fi router inside the premises.
- Speeds & Plans:
- ₹999/month: Minimum speeds of 100 Mbps
- ₹1,499/month: Speeds up to 300 Mbps
- No Voice Calls: The service is purely for high-speed data, similar to Airtel Xstream Fiber and Jio AirFiber.
Targeting India’s Digital Gaps
BSNL’s Q-5G FWA is especially significant for regions where fiber broadband is scarce. By leveraging indigenous technology, BSNL aims to empower businesses and homes in smaller cities with reliable, fast internet fueling digital transformation and bridging the connectivity gap.
Where is Q-5G FWA Available?
- Currently Live: Hyderabad
- Upcoming Cities by September 2025: Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Vishakhapatnam, Pune, Gwalior, Chandigarh
BSNL has been running pilot tests in several cities and aims for a phased rollout, with broader public availability expected later in the year.
While BSNL’s Q-5G FWA is currently limited to select cities, its expansion plans signal a major push to compete with private giants like Jio and Airtel in the fixed wireless segment. The focus on affordable, high-speed, and SIM-free internet could be a game-changer for millions of underserved users across India.
