BSNL launches indigenous 4G network; connects 26,700 villages

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks, has launched the Bharat Telecom Stack—an indigenous, secure 4G network solution developed entirely in India.
With this rollout, India becomes the fifth country globally to build a self-reliant telecom technology stack supporting 4G and beyond. The project, executed in mission mode, involved deployment across over 100,000 sites and integration with BSNL’s existing 2G/3G infrastructure. It connects 26,700 additional villages, enhancing access to online education, citizen services, telemedicine and e-governance. BSNL CMD A. Robert J Ravi described the launch as a “monumental achievement for national pride,” and a declaration of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Director (Consumer Mobility), Sandeep Govil, said the Swadeshi 4G technology sets a new standard of connectivity and lays the foundation for 5G evolution. Advisor to TCS and Chairman of Tejas Networks, N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, termed the deployment historic, placing India among a select group of nations with a comprehensive, software-upgradable telecom stack. The initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a digitally connected and self-reliant India, and was completed within two years through collaboration between BSNL, TCS, C-DOT, Tejas, Department of Telecommunications, and other partners.