BSNL’s indigenous 4G to get 5G boost soon

In a significant stride toward strengthening India’s digital infrastructure, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday announced that Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) indigenously developed 4G network will be upgraded to 5G within the next six to eight months.

Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Enclave 2025, Scindia highlighted India’s entry into the elite group of nations that have developed their own 4G technology a space previously dominated by just five global players: Huawei, ZTE, Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson, based in China, South Korea, Finland, and Sweden.

“India has entered the club with its own 4G standard. This is a testament to our innovation capability and enterprise,” Scindia said, emphasizing that the government would not rest on this achievement. “Within the next six to eight months, we will switch these 4G towers to 5G networks, providing end-to-end 5G capability across the length and breadth of India,” he added.

The minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently inaugurated 92,564 telecom towers connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bharuch to Arunachal Pradesh, marking a major leap in India’s self-reliant telecom ecosystem. These towers form the backbone of the country’s homegrown 4G network, which will soon be upgraded to deliver 5G services to millions of users.

India as a global catalyst amid turbulence

Turning to the global economic landscape, Scindia said that the world is witnessing unprecedented turbulence driven by geopolitical conflicts, trade barriers, and “climate shocks.” These, he said, have created protectionist tendencies and exposed economies to inflation and vulnerability.

“Today, turbulence has become a rhythm. But it is not just a disruptor it is also a catalyst. In this context, India has acted as a catalyst, growing at 7.8% GDP in the first quarter of FY 25-26,” the minister stated.

Positioning India as a key driver of the Global South, Scindia asserted that India is emerging as both a stabilizing force and a beacon of opportunity in uncertain times.

“In this age of uncertainty, India is not just another destination India is the direction. India is not only the voice; India is the mission. For those seeking prosperity amid turbulence, I urge them to look, move, and invest in India,” he said.

Innovation and industry growth

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Scindia emphasized India’s growing role in global technology and innovation. He noted that almost all major international technology firms have a strong presence in India, working alongside a thriving ecosystem of domestic startups and entrepreneurs.

“India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturing hub. Our innovation ecosystem is pioneering the communication, AI, and semiconductor value chains globally,” he remarked.

Scindia said the upcoming India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 would reflect the scale of India’s technological transformation. The event is expected to draw delegations from 150 countries, about 7,000 delegates, and 1,500 exhibitors. It will showcase over 1,000 use cases in 4G and 5G, along with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and emerging technologies.

“The IMC 2025 will stand as a testament to India’s leadership in digital innovation and the future of communication technology,” Scindia added.