BSNL Plans to Install 60,000 More 4G Towers as Social Media Users Make Stone Age Jokes

BSNL plans to install up to 60,000 additional 4G towers across India, expanding its indigenous network as social media users question its technology rollout.

BSNL Plans to Add 60,000 More 4G Towers; Social Media Reacts With Stone Age Jokes

BSNL Announces Major 4G Network Expansion Plan

State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is preparing to expand its 4G network by installing another 50,000 to 60,000 mobile towers across the country. The announcement was made by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who highlighted the government's plans to strengthen the operator's connectivity infrastructure.

BSNL has already installed approximately one lakh 4G towers, and the proposed expansion is expected to increase its network coverage, particularly in smaller towns, rural areas and remote villages.

However, the announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media. Several users have made jokes about BSNL continuing to expand its 4G services while private telecom companies are already offering 5G connectivity and discussions around 6G technology are gaining momentum.

BSNL Targets Another 50,000–60,000 4G Towers

Speaking about the network expansion, Scindia previously stated that approximately 98,000 towers had been completed by March. He added that the government was working towards deploying another 50,000 to 60,000 towers.

The expansion is aimed at improving BSNL's network availability and bringing reliable mobile connectivity to underserved locations.

One of the major aspects of the project is its reliance on India's indigenous 4G technology stack. The system involves contributions from multiple domestic companies:

• C-DOT: Responsible for developing the core network technology.

• Tejas Networks: Providing radio access network equipment.

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Handling system integration.

The indigenous technology platform is designed to support India's telecommunications infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign technology providers.

The government has also indicated that BSNL's 4G infrastructure can eventually be upgraded to 5G once the existing network becomes sufficiently stable.

BSNL Needs More Towers to Compete With Private Telecom Operators

Despite installing around one lakh 4G towers, BSNL still has a considerable infrastructure gap to address.

A recent report, citing a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) official, stated that the company may require at least 3.5 lakh 4G towers to achieve adequate nationwide coverage.

According to the report, BSNL has already installed approximately one lakh towers, placed orders for another 25,000 and is planning additional deployments.

The company is also reportedly preparing to approach the Finance Ministry for financial assistance of around ₹75,000 crore to support its network expansion and future 5G development.

Additionally, BSNL has received government revival packages amounting to approximately ₹3.29 lakh crore since 2019, according to the same report.

These investments underline the government's efforts to improve the financial and operational position of the state-owned telecom operator.

BSNL's ₹51 Smart Start Recharge Plan Attracts Attention

Alongside its network expansion strategy, BSNL is attempting to attract new customers through affordable prepaid recharge offers.

The company introduced a special ₹51 Smart Start prepaid plan for new subscribers. The offer includes several benefits:

• Free SIM card for eligible new customers.

• Unlimited voice calling.

• 2GB of internet data per day.

• 100 SMS messages per day.

• Validity of 28 days.

The promotional offer is available to new customers until October 31, 2026.

According to TelecomTalk, the offer has been extended multiple times. It was initially scheduled to end on June 30 before being extended to August 31.

The affordable recharge offer is part of BSNL's efforts to attract price-conscious customers and improve its subscriber base.

Why Are Social Media Users Making Stone Age Jokes About BSNL?

BSNL's latest 4G expansion announcement has triggered humorous reactions across social media platforms.

Several users have compared the company's technology rollout with the Stone Age, questioning why the operator is still installing 4G towers when private telecom companies have already introduced 5G services.

The jokes reflect the long-standing perception of BSNL as a slower-moving telecom provider, particularly regarding network upgrades, connectivity and service availability.

Similar memes have circulated whenever BSNL announces infrastructure developments, with users often making sarcastic references to outdated technology and delayed modernisation.

However, the reactions also highlight the gap between BSNL's current network capabilities and those offered by its private-sector competitors.

India's Indigenous 4G Technology Makes BSNL's Expansion Significant

While the social media jokes focus on BSNL's delayed 4G rollout, the technology behind the project represents an important development for India's telecommunications sector.

Unlike conventional network deployments based entirely on foreign technology, BSNL's 4G infrastructure uses an indigenously developed technology stack.

The platform brings together Indian companies and institutions to build essential telecommunications equipment and software.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the indigenous 4G stack in September 2025, highlighting India's progress towards developing its own telecom technology ecosystem.

The project is also expected to create a foundation for future 5G deployment and strengthen India's technological independence.

Is 6G Already Available? Understanding the Global Telecom Technology Race

Another reason behind the online reactions is the growing discussion around 6G technology.

However, 6G is not yet commercially available. International efforts are still focused on research, standardisation and developing the technical framework, with commercial deployment widely expected around 2030.

The Indian government has also started working towards 6G development, with ambitions to make India a leading contributor to the next generation of telecommunications.

There is currently no established 7G standard or commercially available 7G network.

Meanwhile, private telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have already introduced 5G services in India, giving them an advantage over BSNL in terms of next-generation connectivity.

Conclusion

BSNL's plan to install up to 60,000 additional 4G towers highlights its efforts to improve network coverage and compete more effectively in India's telecom market. Although its technology rollout has attracted social media criticism, the use of an indigenous 4G stack represents a significant achievement. The company's ability to expand coverage, improve service quality and transition towards 5G will determine its competitiveness in the coming years.