New Delhi: India’s state-run telecom operator BSNL will upgrade its indigenously developed 4G network to 5G within the next six to eight months, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Sunday, marking a major step forward in India’s digital infrastructure.
India Joins Global Elite with Indigenous 4G Standard
Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Enclave 2025, Scindia said India has now entered a global club of 4G technology leaders, traditionally dominated by five companies — Huawei, ZTE, Samsung, Nokia, and Ericsson — based out of just four countries: China, South Korea, Sweden, and Finland.
He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated 92,564 4G towers, creating an indigenous telecom backbone that spans from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bharuch to Arunachal Pradesh.
“Today, India has entered the club with its own 4G standard. This is India’s innovation capability and innovation enterprise,” Scindia said.
Full 5G Capability on BSNL Coming Soon
Scindia added that India is not going to stop at 4G. In a bold declaration, he announced that within six to eight months, BSNL’s newly developed 4G infrastructure will be upgraded to 5G, ensuring end-to-end 5G network capability across the country.
This move will mark BSNL’s formal entry into 5G services, positioning India as one of the few countries deploying indigenous 5G technology at scale.
India’s Innovation Engine: From Mobile Manufacturing to AI & Semiconductors
Scindia emphasized that India has become a global innovation hub, attracting both international technology giants and fostering a robust domestic startup ecosystem.
“We have the second-largest mobile phone manufacturing industry and are pioneering the communication-AI-semiconductor value chain in the world,” he said.
He also highlighted the upcoming India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, which will host:
- Delegations from 150 countries
- 7,000+ delegates
- 1,500 exhibitors
- Over 1,000 real-world use cases of 4G and 5G
Innovations in AI, quantum computing, and next-gen technologies
India: A Beacon of Stability in Global Turbulence
Touching on global economic trends, Scindia remarked that the world is currently experiencing geopolitical turmoil, climate shocks, and inflation pressures that have impacted even developed economies.
Yet, amidst this uncertainty, he said, India has emerged as a global catalyst, achieving 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 of FY25–26 and positioning itself as the “fulcrum for the Global South.”
“India is not just another destination; India is the direction. India is not only the voice; India is the mission,” Scindia said.
He called upon global investors to see India as a beacon of prosperity in challenging times.
About (BSNL)
BSNL is India’s state-owned telecommunications company, providing telecom services nationwide. With its wide network coverage and public sector mission, BSNL plays a vital role in delivering affordable and reliable communication services across urban and rural India.
Read also: BSNL to Roll Out 97,500 Indigenous 4G Towers Worth ₹37,000 Crore; PM Modi to Inaugurate in Odisha
