BSNL set to upgrade 4G towers to 5G nationwide

Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced that BSNL will upgrade its entire network of 4G towers to 5G within the next six to eight months. These 92,564 towers, based on indigenous technology and software, were deployed with the vision to serve every region from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Bharuch to Arunachal Pradesh.

Scindia emphasized that India’s entry into the exclusive club of 4G technology, previously dominated by global vendors, is a result of Indian innovation and enterprise. BSNL achieved this milestone by choosing domestic solutions over foreign vendors, showcasing the nation’s capabilities in developing its own 4G stack within 22 months.

The minister also highlighted BSNL’s financial turnaround, with operating profit rising to ₹5,000 crore this year and subscriber numbers increasing to over 91 million. The government aims to provide end-to-end 5G capability across the country through these upgraded towers, advancing the Digital India initiative and extending advanced connectivity to both urban and rural areas.

Scindia expressed optimism that this rapid transformation will enhance India’s technological resilience and attractiveness for global investment, positioning India as a leading nation in telecom innovation and artificial intelligence.

CT Bureau