BSNL to roll out 5G service with global launch: Anil Jain

The state-owned telecom firm BSNL expects to start 5G services in the country together with its global launch, a senior official said today.

"The moment 5G is launched anywhere in the world, most probably 5G will be launched in India also.

I can use the word "nobody before BSNL will launch (5G services) in the country", BSNL Chief General Manager Anil Jain told reporters here.

Asked on the timeline, he said "we can't give any timeline. Though, world over people are talking to launch 5G by June 2020. But, there aresome expectations that we may see 5G (launch) in 2019 itself," he said. "We have missed the 4G bus.. BSNL doesn't want to miss the 5G bus in the entire country," he said. As far as 5G is concerned, Jain said BSNL has taken a lead in this and pointed out that "to do the learning and testing on the ground and making our system compatible with 5G, BSNL has signed agreement with several international operators including Nokia, NTT Advance Technology."