Jharsuguda, Odisha, 27 September: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) indigenous 4G network, marking a significant milestone in India’s technological self-reliance. The initiative includes the commissioning of over 97,000 mobile towers, utilizing entirely domestic technology. This move positions India among a select group of nations with domestic telecom manufacturing capabilities, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’
Key Highlights:
Indigenous Technology Stack: The 4G network is built entirely on homegrown technology developed by a consortium led by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This positions India among a select group of nations capable of manufacturing their own telecom equipment, including Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, and China.
Nationwide Tower Commissioning: PM Modi commissioned over 97,500 mobile 4G towers across India, including 92,600 sites featuring the new 4G technology. These towers, established at a cost of approximately ₹37,000 crore, utilize entirely indigenous technology.
Rural Connectivity Expansion: The rollout will extend mobile services to over 26,700 previously unconnected villages, including 2,472 in Odisha alone. Many of these locations lie in remote and left-wing extremism-affected areas, making this expansion a critical infrastructure upgrade.
Solar-Powered Infrastructure: A significant number of these towers are solar-powered, creating India’s largest green telecom network. This initiative aligns with the government’s focus on sustainable development and reducing carbon footprints.
Future-Ready Network: The indigenous 4G stack is designed to be seamlessly upgraded to 5G, ensuring that BSNL remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the telecom sector.
This initiative is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide, especially in rural and underserved regions. It empowers communities by providing access to high-speed internet, which is essential for education, healthcare, and economic development. Furthermore, the project aligns with the government’s vision of a digitally connected India and promotes self-reliance in critical infrastructure.
