BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Sign Deal to Bring 5G Private Networks to the Refinery Sector

State-run telecom giant BSNL and public sector refinery major Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have inked a landmark agreement to roll out India’s first 5G captive non-public network (CNPN) within the refinery sector, as per news reports. 

The partnership was formally signed during the “Industry 4.0 Workshop for CPSEs” held in Guwahati under the Ministry of Finance’s aegis. The development signals a significant stride in India’s industrial digitalisation journey, combining homegrown 5G technology with mission-critical refinery operations.

A Major Step in Industrial 5G Integration

Under this memorandum of understanding (MoU), BSNL and NRL will work together to build a secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time 5G CNPN to power the refinery’s core operations. Describing the initiative, the official statement said, “This initiative is a pioneering step in leveraging indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical operations.” BSNL, though only beginning its 4G rollout, holds spectrum that enables it to deliver 5G services, especially in private networks.

The collaboration is aimed at setting the benchmark for similar deployments across other industrial sectors. The statement added, “The partnership between BSNL and NRL is expected to set the stage for replicable models across other industrial sectors, reinforcing the Government of India’s vision for a digitally empowered and self-reliant Bharat.”

Leadership Remarks Highlight Ambition

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A Robert J Ravi stated, “The deployment of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL will mark a technological leap forward, not only in connectivity but in redefining how core industries can operate in the future.” He emphasised that BSNL is “proud to pioneer this journey toward a self-reliant, digitally intelligent Bharat.”

Echoing the sentiment, Papa Sudhakara Rao, Enterprise Business Director at BSNL, called the MoU “a historic milestone in the adoption of 5G and Industry 4.0 within India’s industrial ecosystem.” The partnership underscores BSNL’s commitment to empowering India’s strategic sectors through next-generation digital infrastructure and high-impact collaborations.

Also Read: RailTel Bags ₹166.38 Crore Order from BSNL!

Conclusion

The deployment of India’s first 5G captive non-public network in the refinery sector marks a landmark collaboration between BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery. With a focus on secure, real-time connectivity using indigenous 5G infrastructure, this initiative is poised to redefine how core industries function. 

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