BSNL’s Big Comeback in 2025 with Q-5G, ₹1 Offer, and More to Challenge Jio and Airtel

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecom service provider, is making a strong return in India's highly competitive telecom industry. Though private giants Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have ruled the roost for years now, BSNL used to be left behind because it did not have 4G and 5G equipment. But 2025 is a watershed year for the telecom PSU. BSNL is now adopting native technology stacks and rolling out consumer-driven products to regain its footing in the market.

Right from the launch of the game-changing Q-5G service to the forceful Re. 1 Freedom Offer, the recent offerings of BSNL indicate a fresh strategic thrust. Not only do these moves intend to bring in new customers, but they also reflect the company's intent to challenge private players head on. Let us analyze five key steps BSNL has taken to revive its telecom business in India.

1. BSNL's First 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN)

On 3rd August, BSNL signed a milestone alliance with Numaligarh Refinery Limited to implement India's initial 5G Captive Non-Public Network within the public sector. This is a landmark development since now BSNL is offering private 5G networks based on its own indigenous tech infrastructure.

This CNPN deployment will provide key industrial processes in the refinery with secure, ultra-reliable, and low-latency connectivity. By targeting enterprise-level deployment, BSNL is presenting itself as capable of catering to industrial requirements and following the international trend where private 5G networks are necessary for automation and IoT-based operations.

This action distinguishes BSNL from other Indian telecom companies and indicates its seriousness in keeping up with next-generation telecom innovation.

2. Re. 1 Freedom Offer: Most Affordable 4G Plan in India?

In a surprising move that grabbed headlines, BSNL launched the Freedom Offer on August 1, priced at just Re. 1. Yes, you read that right a one-rupee recharge plan valid for 30 days.

This plan includes:

• 2GB of 4G data per day

• Unlimited voice calling

• 100 SMS per day

• Reduced speed to 40kbps after FUP

However, this ultra-affordable plan is only applicable to new BSNL users and will be available from August 1 to August 31. To sweeten the deal, BSNL is offering free SIM cards to those who opt for this plan.

This offer positions BSNL as the most economical telecom operator in India — a strategic move to gain new users and appeal to budget-conscious citizens, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

3. 5G Rollout in Delhi and Other Major Cities by September

BSNL is finally stepping into the 5G battlefield. According to official reports dated June 27, the company is preparing to launch 5G services in Delhi and other Indian cities by September 2025.

This development follows the completion of successful 5G tests at BSNL's newly upgraded 4G sites across major state capitals. Initial 5G site activation has already begun in cities like:

• Bhopal

• Chandigarh

• Chennai

• Delhi

• Hyderabad

• Jaipur

• Kolkata

• Lucknow

• Patna

These rollouts are part of the first phase of BSNL’s plan to deploy 1 lakh 4G towers across the country, which will serve as the backbone for their national 5G expansion.

This long-awaited rollout will finally allow BSNL to catch up with Airtel and Jio, who have been offering 5G services for over a year.

4. Doorstep SIM Delivery with Online KYC

On June 25, BSNL introduced a doorstep SIM delivery service, making the onboarding process smoother than ever. Through a newly launched online portal, users can now:

• Order prepaid or postpaid SIMs online

• Complete self-KYC verification

• Opt for number portability from other telecom providers

• Get SIMs delivered without visiting a physical store

For any questions or support, users can contact the helpline at 1800-180-1503.

This initiative is a much-needed modernization of BSNL’s customer service model and helps eliminate the need for physical paperwork or long queues. With the rising demand for contactless services, BSNL’s move is timely and aligned with the digital India vision.

5. India’s Indigenous SIM-less Quantum 5G for Enterprises

Perhaps the most futuristic announcement from BSNL is the launch of its Q-5G service, short for Quantum 5G, unveiled on June 19. Though detailed consumer plans are yet to be revealed, BSNL has already soft-launched its Q-5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in select circles for business users.

Key highlights:

• SIM-less, wire-free connectivity

• Based on a 100% indigenous technology stack

• Monthly plans starting from Rs. 999

• Offers 100 Mbps speed

• Specifically designed for enterprises and institutions

This move reinforces BSNL’s intent to offer not just mobile data, but also broadband-level solutions using 5G FWA. The focus on enterprise connectivity makes Q-5G a potential game-changer in segments like education, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

After years of lagging behind in the telecom competition, BSNL is back in a big way. By putting price, national technology, and smart enterprise alliances at the forefront, BSNL is looking like a challenger once more. With Q-5G services, Re. 1 prepay plans, and doorstep SIM delivery, the telecom behemoth is making daring moves to reinvent its brand and break the private telecom giants' monopoly.

Whether it will succeed in rejoining its lost subscribers or not is to be seen. But this is for sure BSNL's efforts in 2025 cannot be missed.