India’s BSNL will upgrade its indigenous 4G network to 5G within six to eight months, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced, marking a major milestone in India’s self-reliant telecom ecosystem and expanding affordable high-speed connectivity nationwide.
India’s push toward technological self-reliance is set to take a giant leap forward, with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) preparing to upgrade its indigenous 4G network to 5G within the next six to eight months. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia made the announcement while addressing the ‘Kautilya Economic Enclave 2025’ held in New Delhi on Sunday.
Highlighting India’s remarkable progress in the telecom sector, Scindia stated that the country has entered the elite group of nations capable of developing and deploying their own 4G standard. “This is India’s innovation capability and innovation enterprise. But we are not going to rest. Within the next six to eight months, we will be switching these 4G towers to 5G networks and providing end-to-end 5G network capability across the length and breadth of India,” Scindia said.
India’s Indigenous Telecom Revolution
The minister emphasized that India’s entry into the indigenous telecom club marks a historic milestone. Only five countries in the world currently possess the capability to deliver a complete, self-reliant telecom ecosystem. With this achievement, India has joined that prestigious list. The BSNL 4G network, entirely designed and built using domestic technology, represents a significant stride toward the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision.
Scindia also underscored that all BSNL towers are 5G-ready, ensuring a smooth transition to the next-generation network. “India’s telecom infrastructure is future-ready. Every tower we install today can be upgraded to 5G without any disruption. This is the strength of indigenous innovation,” he said.
From Struggles to Success: BSNL’s Turnaround Story
Once struggling with losses for nearly two decades, BSNL is now showing strong signs of revival. According to Scindia, BSNL has returned to profitability after 17 years, driven by improved efficiency, subscriber growth, and indigenous technological advancements. The public sector telecom giant’s subscriber base has seen an impressive jump — from 78 lakh to 2.2 crore in just one year.
This turnaround has been supported by government reforms, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and a renewed focus on rural connectivity. BSNL’s recent initiatives have also positioned it as a major player in bridging India’s digital divide.
Bharat Telecom Stack: A Step Toward Self-Reliance
Last month, BSNL launched the Bharat Telecom Stack, also known as the intelligent Swadesh 4G Network, marking a transformative chapter in India’s telecom history. The network is designed and developed entirely in India through collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks Limited.
The Bharat Telecom Stack will bring high-speed 4G internet connectivity to over 26,700 villages for the first time. This initiative ensures that rural India will benefit from digital services such as online education, precision agriculture, e-commerce, and 24×7 telemedicine.
Scindia emphasized that this development not only enhances connectivity but also empowers citizens with affordable and accessible digital services. “Over 2.2 crore citizens will now have access to 4G data at affordable prices. With indigenous solutions like the Bharat Telecom Stack, India is setting new benchmarks for digital inclusion,” he added.
India’s Economic and Technological Outlook
Reflecting on the event’s theme — “Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times” — the minister highlighted how India has transformed global challenges into opportunities under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Scindia expressed confidence that India is on track to become the world’s second-largest economy by 2027, powered by a combination of innovation, intellect, and infrastructure.
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He further pointed out that India’s progress in the telecom sector is not just about technology but about national confidence. “We have proven that India can design, develop, and deliver world-class technology solutions on its own. The future of connectivity will be built in India, by India, and for India,” Scindia concluded.
As BSNL gears up to roll out 5G across the country in the coming months, the milestone reflects more than just a technological upgrade — it symbolizes India’s growing global stature as a hub of innovation and self-reliance in digital infrastructure.
