How Did BSNL and Numaligarh Refinery Forge a 5G Captive Network Partnership?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSNL and NRL have signed a landmark MoU.
- First 5G Captive Non-Public Network in the refinery sector.
- Focus on digital transformation and industrial modernization.
- Workshop emphasized Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Government's commitment to a self-reliant Bharat.
New Delhi, Aug 3 (NationPress) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) have entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a pivotal moment in enhancing India's digital transformation and industrial modernization, as stated by the Ministry of Communications on Sunday.
This MoU enables BSNL and NRL to work together on deploying India's inaugural 5G Captive Non-Public Network (CNPN) within the refinery industry, heralding a groundbreaking phase of secure, ultra-reliable, and real-time industrial connectivity. This initiative is a trailblazing effort to utilize indigenous 5G infrastructure for mission-critical operations, as elaborated in the statement.
The collaboration between BSNL and NRL is anticipated to create a template for similar models in various industrial sectors, bolstering the union government's vision of a digitally empowered and self-sufficient Bharat, according to the statement.
The MoU was formalized during the 'Industry 4.0 Workshop' for Central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), which was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance in Guwahati. The workshop saw the attendance of numerous high-ranking dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Department of Public Enterprises, CMD of NRL, Director of Enterprise Business at BSNL, MD of NRL, MD of AMTRON, along with various senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and multiple CPSEs.
Deliberations were centered on equipping Central CPSEs to adopt transformative Industry 4.0 technologies, encompassing 5G CNPN, Digital Twins, AI-powered 3D Printing, Virtual Formulation, AR/VR/MR, IoT, and Big Data Analytics, aiming to foster innovation, efficiency, and an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Secretary of DPE commended the initiative as a shining example of the Government's 'Whole of Government' approach, stressing its potential to modernize India’s industrial framework, encourage advanced skills development, and create job opportunities, especially in the North Eastern Region.
The CMD of NRL remarked that the adoption of 5G CNPN will not only boost operational efficiency and cybersecurity but also facilitate advanced technologies such as AR/VR-based training, Digital Twins, and real-time IoT applications. He termed it a revolutionary moment for India’s refinery sector.
BSNL's chairman and managing director, A. Robert J. Ravi, stated, "This partnership embodies BSNL's dedication to empowering India’s strategic sectors with cutting-edge digital infrastructure. The implementation of a dedicated 5G CNPN at NRL signifies a technological advancement - not just in connectivity but in redefining how core industries may function in the future."
He emphasized that BSNL is committed to supporting Digital India by providing secure, robust, and future-ready communication infrastructure for CPSEs and other enterprises.