LTTS ties up with BSNL to deploy private 5G networks for enterprises

Larsen & Toubro Technology Services (LTTS), the homegrown engineering services arm of conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has partnered with state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to deploy private 5G networks for enterprises in India, the companies said Monday.

“BSNL and LTTS plan to co-innovate and jointly bring to market private 5G connectivity solutions to accelerate digital transformation for enterprises,” the companies said.

Under the agreement signed between the companies, BSNL will provide spectrum, while LTTS will deploy equipment, applications, servers, technology and software, and core for the integration of devices/sensors within the customer’s ecosystem.

This partnership also marks LTTS’ foray into the private 5G network space, and it will assume the role of a master system integrator (MSI) for customers, offering choice of technologies, equipment and use case buildout, while BSNL will be the official network provider.

LTTS and BSNL said that enterprise 5G will support in unleashing the full potential of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and the Internet fo Things (IoT) across verticals such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and smart cities.

BSNL has earlier signed up homegrown systems integrator (SI) Amantya Technologies, as well as, IT solutions provider Echelon Edge to deploy private 5G network for enterprises across India.

“We are excited to partner with BSNL across the various joint private networks and digitization to support the growth of sustainable and smart spaces. This partnership is a perfect-fit offering to enterprises with complementary network & digital capabilities coming from both organizations,” said Amit Chadha, CEO and Managing Director, L&T Technology Services.

“This strategic partnership with LTTS will allow us to support global organizations in their digital transformation endeavors. 5G is the next big enabler which can positively benefit the lives of millions of end-users and we expect rapid adoption of private networks across multiple use cases and major industries,” said BSNL in a statement.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has recently decided against giving spectrum directly to enterprises for captive private networks, following a legal opinion, snubbing companies such as Infosys, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Power and GMR, which have been calling for the allocation of airwaves without auctions.