BSNL Rolls Out 5G SIMs Nationwide: Affordable High-Speed Internet Boost for Millions

New Delhi, March 6 (TNA) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Friday launched its much-awaited 5G SIM cards across India, marking a significant milestone in the state-run telecom’s push to rival private giants like Jio and Airtel.

Available at BSNL outlets and online portals starting this morning, the new 5G SIMs promise seamless upgrades for existing 4G users, leveraging the company’s indigenous network infrastructure rolled out over the past year.

The launch comes after BSNL’s CMD, Robert Ravi, confirmed soft rollout plans in Delhi earlier this year, building on more than 92,000 upgraded towers now 5G-ready nationwide. Priced competitively from ₹10 for basic activation, these SIMs offer unlimited 5G data on select prepaid plans above ₹500, targeting rural and urban subscribers alike amid intensifying tariff wars.

Early adopters in Delhi and Mumbai reported download speeds exceeding 500 Mbps in pilot tests, with BSNL aiming for full coverage by mid-2026. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the move as a step toward self-reliant connectivity, urging users to replace older SIMs for optimal performance. This development aligns with BSNL’s revival strategy, blending homegrown tech from C-DOT and Tejas Networks to bridge the digital divide.