हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए मेनू बार से हिंदी भाषा चयन करें।
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday officially launched Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) indigenous 4G stack and announced the commissioning of nearly 97,500 indigenously made 4G towers across the country. The government said this initiative will not only strengthen digital inclusion but also mark a significant milestone in making India self-reliant in telecom technology.
BSNL’s First Fully Indigenous 4G Network
Until now, BSNL had limited 4G services that relied heavily on foreign equipment. With this launch, the telecom operator will operate on a completely indigenous system. The core network has been developed by C-DOT, radio equipment by Tejas Networks, and system integration handled by TCS. Officials confirmed that the new system is 5G-upgradable, ensuring long-term adaptability.
Expanding Coverage Through Digital Bharat Nidhi
Under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) program, nearly 18,900 sites are being funded to provide 4G coverage to around 26,700 villages. Many of these towers will run on solar power, ensuring connectivity in remote and border regions where electricity supply is limited.
Rollout Begins in Andhra Pradesh
The rollout has begun from Andhra Pradesh, where 5,985 towers have been commissioned in the first phase. Of these, 1,232 are DBN-funded, extending 4G coverage to more than 2,600 villages. Similar phased rollouts are planned in other states across India.
Investment and Cost
The project involves an estimated investment of around ₹37,000 crore. The government believes this will not only revive BSNL’s position in the telecom sector but also boost India’s indigenous telecom ecosystem.
Benefits for Citizens
- Faster mobile and internet connectivity in rural and border regions.
- Improved access to education, telemedicine, and digital services.
- Reduced security risks by minimizing dependence on foreign equipment.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the achievement, experts highlight key challenges. Private operators like Jio and Airtel are already providing advanced 5G services, raising questions on how BSNL’s 4G rollout will attract subscribers. Additionally, large-scale tower deployment and long-term financial sustainability could pose hurdles.
Outcome
The launch of BSNL’s indigenous 4G stack is a historic step towards technological self-reliance for India. The real test now lies in BSNL’s ability to expand its network quickly and win back customers through affordable and competitive service plans.
Source: Press Information Bureau
