Will BSNL's Indigenous 4G Network Really Upgrade to 5G in 6-8 Months?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BSNL's 4G network will transition to 5G in 6-8 months.
- India has achieved its own 4G standard technology.
- BSNL has returned to profitability after 17 years.
- Over 2.2 crore citizens will access affordable 4G data.
- Rural areas will benefit from services like digital learning and telemedicine.
New Delhi, Oct 5 (NationPress) In the upcoming six to eight months, the indigenous Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 4G network is set for a significant upgrade to 5G, as announced by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday.
During his address at the 'Kautilya Economic Enclave 2025' held in the national capital, the minister highlighted that India has successfully entered the realm of 4G technology with its own established standards.
“This showcases India’s innovation capacity and entrepreneurial spirit. However, we are not pausing here. Within the next six to eight months, we will upgrade these 4G towers to 5G networks, ensuring comprehensive 5G network capabilities across the country,” Scindia stated to the audience.
Reflecting on the conclave's theme of “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times,” the Minister noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has turned global challenges into opportunities through strategic foresight and resilience.
India has now joined a select group of five nations capable of delivering a complete, indigenous telecom ecosystem. Notably, BSNL has returned to profitability after 17 years, with its subscriber count climbing from 78 lakh to 2.2 crore in just one year.
Scindia emphasized that all towers are prepared for a 5G upgrade, equipping India for future technological requirements.
He projected that India is on track to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2027, showcasing the nation’s ability to leverage both wealth and intellect.
Last month, BSNL introduced the Bharat Telecom Stack or the intelligent 'Swadesh 4G Network,' which will provide high-speed internet connectivity to over 26,700 villages for the first time.
This modern and secure network solution was entirely designed and developed in India in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks Limited.
With this launch, India has become the fifth country globally to establish a self-reliant, indigenous telecom technology stack that supports 4G and beyond.
Over 2.2 crore citizens will now access affordable 4G data, with rural areas benefiting from services like digital learning, enhanced farming tools, and 24x7 telemedicine.