After 25 Years, BSNL Joins The 4G Race With Pan-India Rollout

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday officially launched BSNL’s 4G services across India, marking a major milestone for the state-run telecom operator. The rollout covers every state with over 97,500 mobile towers going live, putting BSNL on par with private telecom operators in offering pan-India 4G coverage.   Also Read: SAMBHAV Phones: How India’s Indigenous Mobile Tech Supported Operation Sindoor

The announcement was made at Jharsuguda in Odisha, where PM Modi also flagged off several other projects. The timing is significant—BSNL recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the government is planning to install another 100,000 towers soon, further strengthening connectivity in both rural and urban regions.   Also Read: Semicon India 2025: India Unveils First Indigenous Space-Ready 32-bit Microprocessor ‘Vikram’

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Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi unveiled India’s #Swadeshi 4G Network, a milestone in self-reliance that brings world-class telecom to every corner of Bharat.#AtmanirbharBSNL #BSNLRising pic.twitter.com/cju3ki6Lee

— DoT India (@DoT_India) September 27, 2025

One of the biggest highlights of this launch is that BSNL’s 4G network has been built entirely on homegrown technology. Both the hardware and software have been developed in India, putting the country in a select group of just five nations that have achieved this level of self-reliance. The government has pumped in Rs 37,000 crore for this project, with Tata Consultancy Services handling system integration and Tejas Networks supplying the radio equipment.  

For users, this launch could be a turning point. BSNL’s recharge packs are 30 to 40 percent cheaper than those of private rivals, and with better coverage now in place, the operator is expected to regain customer trust. Over 90 million subscribers are likely to benefit from the service, and the operator could also attract number portability from those looking to save on tariffs.  

BSNL isn’t stopping at 4G. The company is preparing for a 5G rollout in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai by the end of this year. PM Modi also stressed that India is already laying the groundwork for 6G, aiming for a 2030 launch that could position the country among global leaders in next-gen telecom.