State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has achieved a significant milestone, now serving over 22 million customers on its newly deployed, fully indigenous 4G network [2]. This achievement coincides with the official launch of the India-made 4G infrastructure stack by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Mobile Congress, marking a pivotal moment for the country's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives [1][4]. The successful rollout not only revitalizes the public sector telco but also establishes India as a capable developer of critical telecom technology.
A 'Swadeshi' Milestone in Telecom
The launch of BSNL's 4G service is a landmark event, built upon a technology stack that is entirely designed and manufactured in India [1]. This 'swadeshi' network is the result of a collaborative effort by a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and the state-owned Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), which developed the core components [3]. At the launch, Prime Minister Modi emphasized this as a major step towards self-reliance in the telecommunications sector, a domain historically dominated by foreign vendors [1]. This homegrown solution is expected to provide a secure and reliable network for millions of Indian citizens and positions India as a potential exporter of telecom technology to other nations [3].
Rapid Network Expansion and Customer Growth
Since the phased rollout began, BSNL has rapidly expanded its 4G footprint and customer base. The network has already clocked over 22 million subscribers, a testament to the demand for high-speed mobile services across the country [2]. The expansion is part of a massive infrastructure push that includes the commissioning of nearly 97,000 mobile towers nationwide [4]. This effort is linked to a wider saturation project aimed at providing mobile connectivity to thousands of previously unserved villages, effectively bridging India's digital divide [5].
Key highlights of the BSNL 4G rollout include:
- Subscriber Base: Over 22 million users are now connected to the new 4G network [2].
- Infrastructure: A plan to commission approximately 97,000 mobile towers to ensure widespread coverage [4].
- Technology: The network is powered by a fully India-made 4G stack, a first for the nation [1].
- Development: The core technology was developed by a TCS-led consortium, including the government's C-DOT [3].
The Path to 5G and Enterprise Services
BSNL's ambitions extend beyond 4G. The newly deployed indigenous infrastructure has been designed to be easily and swiftly upgradable to 5G technology. According to company officials, the transition to a 5G network is planned for the end of the current year or early next year, allowing BSNL to compete with private telecom operators in the next generation of mobile services [2]. Beyond consumer mobility, BSNL is also setting its sights on the lucrative enterprise market. The company is exploring opportunities to provide private 5G networks for businesses and is planning to establish edge data centers to support emerging industrial applications [2]. This strategic push into enterprise solutions represents a new revenue stream and a significant expansion of BSNL's service portfolio.
In conclusion, BSNL's 4G launch is more than just a network upgrade; it is a symbol of India's growing technological self-sufficiency. By connecting over 22 million users to a homegrown network and laying a clear path for a 5G upgrade, BSNL is not only enhancing connectivity across the nation but also championing the 'Make in India' vision. This achievement strengthens the telecom operator's market position and signals India's arrival as a formidable player in the global telecommunications landscape.