PM Modi Inaugurates BSNL’s Indigenous 4G Network, Activates 97,500 Towers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated BSNL’s indigenously developed 4G network from Jharsuguda, Odisha, marking a milestone in Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The rollout includes 97,500 mobile towers built at a cost of ₹37,000 crore, strengthening rural connectivity and preparing the nation for a seamless transition to 5G.

BSNL 4G Launch Coincides with Silver Jubilee

The launch of BSNL’s swadeshi 4G network coincided with the telecom operator’s 25th anniversary, highlighting India’s capability to develop and manufacture homegrown telecom equipment. This initiative places India among a select group of nations with complete control over telecom technology infrastructure.

Massive Tower Deployment Boosts Connectivity

Prime Minister Modi commissioned over 97,500 towers, including 92,600 4G sites, constructed using indigenous technology at a cost of around ₹37,000 crore. These towers aim to:

• Connect more than 26,700 previously unserved villages

• Cover remote and left-wing extremism-affected areas

• Add over 20 lakh new subscribers in rural India

The rollout also focuses on sustainable infrastructure, with a significant number of towers powered by solar energy.

Future-Ready Network with 5G Capability

Officials confirmed that the new 4G network is cloud-based and future-ready, enabling smooth upgrades to 5G. This ensures that India’s telecom infrastructure is prepared for next-generation technologies while expanding access to digital services in underserved regions.

Advancing Digital India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

The launch of BSNL’s swadeshi 4G stack aligns with the government’s vision of Digital India and self-reliance in technology (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). By deploying homegrown telecom solutions, India moves “from dependence to confidence”, boosting domestic manufacturing, generating jobs, increasing exports, and promoting fiscal growth.

Odisha as a Hub for Future Growth

Highlighting Odisha’s resource-rich potential, PM Modi announced plans for a semiconductor park in the state, underlining its role in India’s technological and economic transformation over the coming decade. The state is poised to become a key growth hub for innovation, industry, and employment opportunities.

Expanding Digital Participation in Rural India

The BSNL 4G network rollout is expected to:

• Promote digital literacy and participation in rural areas

• Enable access to telemedicine, e-education, and financial services

• Connect communities in remote and difficult terrains, including areas affected by left-wing extremism

The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to bridging the urban-rural digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.

Sustainable and Scalable Infrastructure

The 4G network infrastructure is designed for sustainability and scalability:

• Integration of solar-powered towers reduces dependency on conventional energy

• Cloud-based architecture ensures easy upgrades to 5G in the future

• Supports increased subscriber base and expanded coverage without compromising performance

This approach reflects India’s push towards green and future-ready telecom infrastructure.

Conclusion

The launch of BSNL’s indigenous 4G network by PM Modi is a landmark step in India’s journey toward technological self-reliance and rural connectivity. With 97,500 towers, solar-powered infrastructure, and future-ready 5G capability, the initiative expands access to digital services, strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and promotes economic growth. As Odisha emerges as a hub for semiconductor and technology development, India’s telecom sector is poised for a new era of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.