Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) indigenously developed 4G network stack on Saturday, September 27, positioning India among a select group of countries producing their own telecom equipment, alongside Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, and China. The initiative supports self-reliance, promotes Digital India, and aims to bridge the digital divide while empowering rural communities.
“The launch reflects India’s journey from dependence to confidence, driving employment, exports, fiscal revival and advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
Key details about the Swadeshi 4G network:
- The network is fully software-driven, cloud-based, and future-ready, allowing seamless upgrades to 5G.
- BSNL towers under this project have been deployed across states including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat, and Bihar.
- The 4G services are designed to benefit tribal regions, remote villages, and hilly areas the most.
- PM Modi also unveiled India’s 100% 4G saturation network, connecting 29,000 villages as part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi initiative.
- Around 26,700 unconnected villages, including 2,472 in Odisha in remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected areas, will now receive connectivity.
- The installations are expected to serve over 2 million new subscribers nationwide.
- The network will support e-governance, digital payments, online education, telemedicine, and other citizen-centric applications.
- Over 97,500 mobile towers, including 92,600 4G-enabled sites, were commissioned at an estimated cost of ₹37,000 crore.
- The towers are solar-powered, making them India’s largest cluster of green telecom sites and a step forward in sustainable infrastructure.
- This project marks India’s entry into the ranks of the world’s top telecom equipment manufacturers.
Impact on citizens
The Swadeshi 4G network aims to provide nationwide connectivity, ensuring digital benefits reach every citizen regardless of geography. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said, “Students in Bihar will now have seamless access to world-class online education. Farmers in Punjab will receive real-time updates on Mandi prices. Soldiers stationed in Kashmir will remain connected with their loved ones. Entrepreneurs across the North East will be empowered with access to international expertise and funding.”
“This 4G infrastructure is thoughtfully designed to uplift every Indian, regardless of their geography or background,” he added.
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