C-DoT to Commercialise Indigenously-Developed 5G Radio Network

Why It Matters

Domestic 5G hardware reduces reliance on foreign vendors and opens export opportunities, strengthening India’s strategic autonomy in telecom. Successful commercialization could accelerate network upgrades for operators and boost the national tech ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• C‑DoT's 5G radio ready for trials in Ambala
• Consortium includes VVDN Technologies and WiSig Networks
• Goal: export indigenous 5G gear within 1‑2 years
• BSNL's 4G rollout could boost revenue 15 %
• India joins elite group of global telecom equipment suppliers

Pulse Analysis

India’s drive toward a self‑reliant telecom ecosystem has reached a milestone with C‑DoT’s home‑grown 5G radio. Developed under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Open RAN solution leverages local expertise from VVDN Technologies and WiSig Networks, offering both NSA and SA configurations. By integrating the radio with BSNL’s existing 5G NSA core, the consortium demonstrates that indigenous hardware can meet the rigorous performance standards required for nationwide deployment, a critical step toward reducing dependence on imported equipment.

Technically, the 5G radio supports multiple bands—including 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz—mirroring the capabilities of established players like Tejas. The PoC clearance from BSNL validates its parity with commercial standards, while the broader 4G‑5G NSA core rollout, led by TCS and Tejas Networks, has already covered 100,000 sites and 170,000 radio stations. This extensive field experience provides a robust testing ground, ensuring the new radio can handle the complex traffic patterns of a legacy network such as BSNL’s, and paves the way for scaling to additional 23,000 sites pending approval.

From a market perspective, the successful commercialization of this 5G radio could catapult India into the elite club of global telecom‑gear exporters, challenging incumbents like Huawei, Nokia and Ericsson. Export potential hinges on competitive pricing, rapid production scaling by VVDN, and strategic partnerships with overseas carriers seeking cost‑effective solutions. If C‑DoT meets its two‑year timeline, the move would not only diversify global supply chains but also generate new revenue streams for Indian manufacturers, reinforcing the country’s position as a technology hub and supporting broader economic growth.