BSNL: DoT Allocates 61,000 Crore Worth 5G Spectrum to BSNL, Trial Runs Begin

In a major move to boost India's digital infrastructure, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allocated 5G spectrum worth ₹61,000 crore to state-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The allocation includes access to the premium 700MHz band and the widely-used 3300MHz mid-band spectrum. With this allocation, BSNL has officially commenced 5G trial runs in select locations, including New Delhi. Some of the trial towers are expected to go live by June 2025. The telco is also aggressively expanding its existing 4G infrastructure, having already operationalized over 80,000 out of a planned 1 lakh 4G towers nationwide. These 4G