Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom operator, has taken a big step forward by announcing its first deployment of a 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) in the refinery sector. BSNL will partner with Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) to make this possible. This move is a major milestone for BSNL and for India’s digital growth in industries.
What is 5G CNPN?
A 5G CNPN, or Captive Non-Public Network, is a private 5G network used by an organization for its internal communication and operations. Unlike public 5G, which is used by general users, CNPN is secure, reliable, and designed for specific business needs.
This type of network allows high-speed communication, low latency (delay), and supports smart machines, automation, and data handling in large factories, plants, and industries.
About BSNL and NRL
BSNL is a government-run telecom company with a long history of serving rural and urban areas across India. It has recently started expanding its services to include modern technologies like 4G and 5G.
NRL (Numaligarh Refinery Limited) is a public sector oil company based in Assam. It is one of India’s leading refineries and is known for its efforts in adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency and safety.
Why This 5G CNPN Project is Important?
This is the first time ever that a government telecom company is deploying a private 5G network in the refinery sector. There are many reasons why this is big news:
- Boost to Make in India:
The 5G CNPN will be built using indigenous (Made-in-India) technology, supporting India’s vision of becoming self-reliant in digital infrastructure. - Improved Efficiency:
With 5G, NRL can improve plant operations through automation, machine learning, and real-time monitoring. This leads to better productivity and fewer errors. - Worker Safety:
The high-speed and low-latency communication will help in improving safety at the plant through smart sensors, CCTV monitoring, and emergency response systems. - Digital Transformation:
This project is part of the larger goal to modernize India’s public sector undertakings (PSUs) using cutting-edge technologies.
Project Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of the project between BSNL and NRL:
| Feature | Details |
| Project Type | 5G Captive Non-Public Network |
| Industry | Refinery (Oil & Gas) |
| Partner | Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) |
| Telecom Operator | Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) |
| Technology Used | Made-in-India 5G Core & Radios |
| Purpose | Smart automation & plant safety |
| Location | Assam, India |
| Network Type | Private 5G (Not public) |
How Will It Work?
The 5G CNPN will be installed inside the NRL plant. It will include:
- 5G Towers & Antennas to provide high-speed wireless signals.
- 5G Core Network that controls all communication and connects machines.
- IoT Devices and Sensors across the plant to gather data and monitor safety.
- Private Data Handling for secure information flow, away from the public internet.
All of this will allow machines to communicate with each other instantly, detect faults early, and help human workers in making fast decisions.
Future Scope
If this project becomes successful, it could open doors for similar 5G CNPN networks in other government sectors like:
- Steel Plants
- Power Generation Units
- Railways
- Airports
- Ports
This will boost India’s industrial digitalization and place Indian PSUs among the most advanced globally.
Words from Officials
Government and company officials have praised the collaboration:
- Minister of Telecom called it a “historic step” in bringing digital strength to India’s backbone industries.
- NRL Chairman said it will make their plant “smarter, safer, and more productive.”
- BSNL Officers assured that more such 5G CNPNs are planned in the future.
Conclusion
BSNL’s tie-up with NRL to launch India’s first 5G CNPN in the refinery sector is not just a technical project – it’s a sign of how fast Indian industries are moving towards the digital future. This smart, secure, and high-speed network will change how refinery plants work, making them more efficient and safe. It’s a big leap forward for BSNL and a proud moment for the country.