Jharkhand-based Bokaro Steel Plant has signed an agreement with Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) to explore 5G technologies in steel-making, becoming the first steel plant in the country to do so.

The signing of the MoU between SAIL-Bokaro Steel Plant Limited and TCIL on Friday aims at exploring the potential of 5G/IT and telecom technology and other wireless communication technologies at the Bokaro Steel Plant and its various facilities and locations, including other units of BSL such as mines, collieries and non-works areas.

SAIL-BSL executive director (works) B.K. Tiwari, who signed the MoU on behalf of BSL announced that SAIL would become the first PSU in India to take the initiative to set up a dedicated 5G network with the help of TCIL.

“This MoU will enable us to test various business use cases in steel manufacturing and other areas like mines and smart cities, paving the way for more innovative solutions and new opportunities. The partnership will also provide us with valuable insights into the capabilities of 5G/IT/telecom technologies and its potential applications in a range of steel industries,” Tiwari said.

He also emphasised that the rich field experienceand the vast knowledge and expertise of TCIL wouldhelp drive synergy and create value for both the top-notch institutions (SAIL-BSL and TCIL).