The state-run C-DoT plans to install locally made 5G telecom equipment in the BSNL network within the next six to eight months. According to CEO of Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) Rajkumar Upadhyay, the company has worked with startup Wisig and VVDN Technologies to construct the whole 5G network, which includes 5G standalone (SA) radio, core, and IP multimedia system.

C-DoT demonstrated the test network set-up using its 5G gears in a live video call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Mobile Congress 2023. "We have already deployed 4G and 5G non-standalone core in the Punjab circle of BSNL and are being gradually scaled up to pan-India level. "The technology that we demonstrated is 5G SA, which will be deployed in the BSNL network in 6-8 months after testing it thoroughly".

As of right now, only Reliance Jio in the nation possesses a 5G SA network, meaning that its whole infrastructure is 5G and does not combine 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies. PK Purwar, the Managing Director and Chairman of BSNL, has announced that the business will introduce 4G services in December 2024 and 5G services after June 2024. After being implemented in the BSNL network, Upadhyay said the company may consider selling 5G telecom equipment abroad.

"Once it (C-DoT 5G gear) is launched in BSNL network and starts handling large-scale traffic in India, we expect private operators to start showing interest in it. We are already getting queries of foreign telecom operators", he said. Upadhyay said India has a trade deficit of about USD 60 billion in the electronics sector and the indigenously developed 5G telecom gear will help bridge the gap.