Why in news?
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its indigenously developed 4G (and 5G‑ready) network stack on 28 September 2025. The project, executed in just 22 months, demonstrates India’s push for technological self‑reliance and has begun connecting millions of rural users.
Development and deployment
The 4G core was developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C‑DOT). Tejas Networks supplied the radio access network, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) integrated the system. More than 92 thousand 4G towers have been deployed across India, serving around 22 million subscribers—including two million first‑time internet users.
Benefits and features
- Strategic autonomy: Using a home‑grown stack reduces reliance on foreign vendors and shields India from supply‑chain disruptions and potential security vulnerabilities.
- 5G and beyond: The network is cloud‑native and software‑defined, making it upgradeable to 5G and even 6G under the government’s “Bharat 6G” vision for 2047.
- Rural connectivity: BSNL’s network extends high‑speed internet to remote villages and tribal areas, enabling tele‑education, tele‑medicine and e‑governance.
- Economic opportunity: The project develops domestic talent and supply chains and opens export opportunities for India’s telecom equipment industry.
Challenges and the road ahead
The new network must compete with private operators’ 4G and 5G services. BSNL needs to ensure quality, affordability and timely upgrades. Policy support, financial viability and innovation will determine whether the swadeshi stack becomes a global success story. Nevertheless, its launch marks a significant step towards technological sovereignty.