In a groundbreaking move for India’s industrial and technological landscape, homegrown startup Tidal Wave Technologies has teamed up with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to deploy a private 5G network at state-run Coal India. This ambitious project, announced on April 4, 2025, signals a new era of connectivity and operational efficiency for one of India’s largest public-sector enterprises. With this deployment, Tidal Wave is not only showcasing the potential of indigenous 5G solutions but also setting its sights on transforming public-sector businesses across the country.
A Game-Changer for Coal India
Coal India, the backbone of the nation’s energy supply, has long relied on traditional communication systems to manage its vast mining operations. However, the introduction of a private 5G network promises to revolutionize how the company functions. Unlike public 5G networks designed for consumer use, this private network is custom-built to meet the specific needs of Coal India’s rugged, remote, and high-stakes environment.
Powered by spectrum in the 3500 MHz band allocated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the network leverages cutting-edge technology from Tidal Wave and Ireland-based Druid Software. The result? Enhanced connectivity that supports real-time data analytics, remote operations, and mission-critical communications—think seamless voice, video, and data integration across Coal India’s sprawling facilities. From Gujarat to Dhanbad, this rollout is already making waves at multiple locations, equipping the mining giant with tools like vehicle tracking systems, fuel management, and environmental sensors, all humming along on a robust 5G backbone.
Why Private 5G Matters
So, what’s the big deal about a private 5G network? Imagine a secure, high-speed Wi-Fi system on steroids, tailored exclusively for an organization’s needs. For Coal India, this means faster decision-making, improved worker safety, and a significant boost in operational efficiency. In an industry where downtime can cost millions and safety is paramount, the ability to monitor assets in real time, deploy 5G-enabled drones, and maintain crystal-clear communication underground is nothing short of transformative.
Tidal Wave’s CEO, Ankit Dixit, sums it up perfectly: “This isn’t just about connectivity—it’s about empowering industries like mining with smarter, safer, and more efficient solutions.” The network’s applications extend beyond basic communication, enabling innovations like IoT-driven environmental monitoring and drone surveillance, which could redefine how India’s mining sector operates in the 21st century.
Tidal Wave’s Vision: Beyond Coal India
While the Coal India deployment is a feather in Tidal Wave’s cap, the Mumbai-based startup isn’t stopping there. Partnering with BSNL, a trusted name in Indian telecom, Tidal Wave is positioning itself as a key player in the enterprise 5G space. The company is already in talks with other public-sector giants in mining, manufacturing, and logistics—sectors ripe for disruption through next-gen connectivity.
What sets Tidal Wave apart is its focus on homegrown innovation. By collaborating with BSNL and leveraging locally allocated spectrum, the startup is proving that India doesn’t need to rely solely on foreign tech giants to lead the 5G charge. This partnership also benefits from BSNL’s reputation for reliability, giving Tidal Wave a competitive edge in pitching to enterprise clients who value assurance and authenticity.
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, the road to widespread 5G adoption isn’t without its bumps. Telecom carriers in India, including BSNL, face hurdles like crafting custom enterprise solutions and navigating spectrum pricing models. For Tidal Wave, scaling this success to other industries will require overcoming these challenges while maintaining the agility that startups are known for. Yet, the potential rewards are massive. As 5G continues to unlock use cases—from smart factories to autonomous logistics—the demand for private networks could skyrocket, and Tidal Wave is poised to ride that wave.
A Boost for India’s Tech Ecosystem
This project isn’t just a win for Coal India or Tidal Wave—it’s a triumph for India’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. With private telecom players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel dominating the consumer 5G space, Tidal Wave’s collaboration with BSNL highlights the power of public-private partnerships in driving industrial innovation. It’s a reminder that India’s startup scene, backed by government support, can deliver world-class solutions that rival global standards.
The Bigger Picture
As of April 5, 2025, the Tidal Wave-BSNL initiative at Coal India is more than a tech deployment—it’s a statement. It’s about harnessing 5G to fuel India’s industrial growth, improve safety in critical sectors, and showcase the ingenuity of its homegrown talent. With eyes on the public sector, Tidal Wave is paving the way for a future where secure, high-speed networks aren’t just a luxury but a necessity for progress.
Will this spark a 5G revolution across India’s public enterprises? Only time will tell. For now, Tidal Wave and BSNL have lit the fuse, and the possibilities are as vast as the coal reserves beneath India’s soil.
