Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, October 8, described BSNL’s newly launched 4G stack as a significant achievement that will help deliver seamless digital connectivity to people in remote areas.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 9th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “When we launched the made-in-India 4G stack a few days ago, one lakh mobile towers were also made active. As a result, 1.2 crore people will now be part of Digital India.” He added, “Our indigenous 4G stack is also export-ready.”
The 4G stack, developed by BSNL, uses Indian-built technology. It combines a Radio Access Network created by Tejas Networks, a core network from C-DOT, and integration by Tata Consultancy Services. With this development, India joins a select group of nations including Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, and China that can manufacture and deploy their own telecom equipment for 4G services.
The Department of Telecommunications launched the Production Linked Incentive scheme for telecom manufacturing in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 12,195 crore. Since then, companies under the scheme have invested Rs 4,081 crore, generating total sales of Rs 78,672 crore, including export sales of Rs 14,963 crore.
Recalling his vision for a digital-first India, Modi said, “When I first spoke about Make in India, some people poked fun, saying ‘How will India make new and advanced tech?’. But India gave a strong response.” He added that the country, once struggling with 2G, has now rolled out 5G across all districts. Electronics manufacturing has grown six times, mobile phone production has increased 28 times, and tech exports have risen 127 times since 2014.
He mentioned that 45 Indian firms are now part of a global supply chain, creating lakhs of jobs. New policies like the Telecom Act aim to make regulators facilitators for faster approvals and clearances. Modi also said cybersecurity is being strengthened with new laws for accountability and better grievance systems.
Emphasising India’s growing investment appeal, he said, “Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but an integral part of people’s lives.” He highlighted that 1GB of data now costs less than a cup of tea.
The IMC 2025, organised by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India, runs from October 8 to 11. It is Asia’s largest tech event with 1.5 lakh participants from over 150 countries.
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