BSNL’s 4G to 5G Transformation Announced
At the Kautilya Economic Enclave 2025, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that BSNL’s 4G network will be upgraded to 5G within the next six to eight months. This move marks a major leap in India’s digital transformation, promising faster connectivity and improved coverage nationwide. The upgrade will empower millions of BSNL users with high-speed internet and seamless digital experiences.
India Joins the Global 4G Club
Scindia highlighted that India has officially joined the elite global 4G technology club, which includes only five major companies — Huawei, ZTE, Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson. These firms are based in Sweden, Finland, South Korea, and China. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 92,564 towers connecting every corner of India using an entirely indigenous 4G standard, reflecting India’s self-reliant telecom vision.
Next Step: Upgrading to 5G Nationwide
The Telecom Minister announced that BSNL’s indigenously developed 4G network will soon transition to a fully operational 5G system. “Within the next six to eight months, we will convert these towers into 5G networks, offering complete 5G coverage across India,” Scindia said. This move will make India one of the few countries in the world to achieve homegrown 5G capability.
India’s Innovation and Technology Drive
Scindia praised India’s growing leadership in the innovation and telecom technology sectors. He noted that India is now the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world and a fast-emerging hub for AI, quantum computing, and communication technologies. The upcoming India Mobile Congress (IMC 2025) will showcase more than 1,000 real-world use cases of 4G and 5G technologies.
Economic and Global Impact
Speaking on the global stage, Scindia said that despite geopolitical challenges and climate-related economic shocks, India continues to grow at 7.8% GDP in FY25–26. He added that India is now a key voice of the Global South, serving as a beacon of stability and innovation. According to Scindia, India is the path to world wealth, not just another place to visit.
BSNL’s Path to Profitability and Expansion
BSNL’s rapid transformation is a part of the government’s Digital Bharat initiative. The state-run telecom firm has activated over 78,000 4G sites and plans to double this number soon. With financial backing from the government and support from Indian tech firms like Tejas Networks, C-DOT, and TCS, BSNL is poised to play a critical role in India’s 5G revolution and digital self-reliance.
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