India can lead the world by 2047: CM Chandrababu at BSNL’s 4G launch

At the inauguration of BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G mobile network held in Vijayawada on Saturday, which was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, BSNL Director Vivek Banzal, senior officials from BSNL’s Andhra Pradesh circle, and state government representatives from the IT and Telecom departments, the Chief Minister called for India to shift its focus from being a service-based workforce to becoming a nation of innovators and product creators. Emphasizing the need for self-reliance, Naidu declared, “It’s important to make products rather than remain as employees.”

Expressing concern over India’s dependence on foreign technology, CM Chandrababu Naidu pointed out that Indians download 24 percent of the world’s apps yet 95 percent of the revenue goes abroad. He remarked, “We are doing job work; that is not what we should do. Money is in products. If we can make products, we will get 100 percent revenue and also royalties.” Stressing the importance of intellectual property, he said that India must own patents and create technology instead of merely using it. He reiterated his vision of digital empowerment, adding, “Smartphones should become a part of life. Andhra Pradesh will show the way on how technology can improve every citizen’s life.”

Praising BSNL for achieving a major milestone in developing indigenous 4G technology, CM Chandrababu Naidu said, “Once 4G technology is established, nothing is impossible.” Although India already has operational 5G networks through private operators like Jio and Airtel, his statement carried a symbolic meaning. It was a message of confidence that mastering indigenous 4G technology demonstrates India’s ability to build its own telecom systems, paving the way for homegrown 5G and even 6G in the future. Naidu stressed that the focus must be on technological independence rather than reliance on foreign systems. Referring to global advancements, he acknowledged that countries like China are already moving toward 6G, but insisted that India too can lead if it builds its own foundation.

Recalling his contributions to telecom reforms, the Chief Minister said, “In 1998, I submitted a report to the central government that led to deregulation in the telecom sector.” He described BSNL as a “powerful organization” and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “the right man at the right time in the right place,” crediting his leadership for India’s global recognition in digital payments, UPI, and vaccine production. With optimism about the future, Naidu said, “Nobody can stop India from going forward. The country will become number one globally by 2047.” He urged the youth to move from hard work to smart work and focus on innovation in the knowledge-driven era.

BSNL Director Vivek Banzal began his address with a heartfelt greeting in Telugu, saying, “Andarikki naa hrudaya purvaka namaskaaralu” (My heartfelt greetings to everyone). He highlighted the transformative power of the network, stating, “4G hum sabke jeevan mein kranti lekar aaye hai” (4G has brought a revolution in all our lives). Banzal proudly announced that India has now become the fifth country in the world to indigenously develop 4G technology, after four major global players, and that the system has been vigorously tested and proven reliable. He shared that nearly 93,000 4G towers are being installed across India, including 4,000 in previously uncovered villages, ensuring that even the remotest regions will now be connected. He said this initiative is not only about connectivity but also about national pride and self-reliance, showcasing India’s capacity to develop world-class telecom technology.