India Launches Indigenous 'Swadeshi' 4G Network for BSNL
India has launched BSNL's indigenous 4G network, commissioning over 97,500 mobile towers built with homegrown technology at a cost of approximately ₹37,000 crore. The launch marks India's entry into a select group of nations that manufacture their own telecom equipment. The new cloud-based network, which is future-ready for 5G upgrades, aims to connect over 26,700 remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected villages, significantly boosting rural connectivity and advancing the 'Digital India' vision.
Unpacked:
BSNL’s 4G network is considered 'indigenous' because all hardware, software, and core technology are developed by Indian companies such as C-DOT, Tejas Networks, and TCS. This marks a shift from reliance on foreign telecom equipment to a fully homegrown system, making India one of only five countries able to build a complete telecom network domestically.
By developing and deploying its own telecom equipment, India joins a select group of nations with end-to-end telecom manufacturing capability. This enhances India’s technological sovereignty, boosts its credentials as a technology exporter, and may encourage domestic innovation and investment in telecom infrastructure.
BSNL lagged in 4G rollout due to delays in government approvals, funding constraints, and the decision to use only domestic technology. Meanwhile, private players like Jio and Airtel had already deployed 4G networks using a mix of imported and domestic equipment, giving them a head start in high-speed mobile services.
BSNL plans to stabilize its 4G network before moving to 5G. The government has stated that the company will use only indigenous technology for 5G as well. The initial 5G deployment will target 100,000 subscribers, focusing on standalone 5G services and rural fixed wireless access.