Mumbai: In a major boost to India’s connectivity landscape, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched over 50,000 indigenous 4G sites nationwide, marking a transformative stride in the government’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat (ANB) initiative. Developed in partnership with leading Indian tech entities Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tejas Networks, the Centre for development of telematics (C-DOT), and ITI Ltd., BSNL’s expansive 4G network exemplifies India’s “Poorn Swadeshi” approach, relying entirely on homegrown technology.

With more than 41,000 of these sites now active, BSNL is significantly accelerating India’s digital outreach. As of 29 October 2024, the rollout includes 36,747 sites under the Phase IX.2 project and 5,000 additional sites under the 4G Saturation Project, financed by the Digital Bharat Nidhi Fund, previously the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). BSNL’s current momentum underscores a larger goal to establish over 1,00,000 4G sites across India, embodying the commitment to fully indigenous technological expansion.

Earlier this year, BSNL activated 15,000 4G sites as of July, 2024. In the past three months alone, the company successfully added over 25,000 new sites, a robust demonstration of Swadeshi technology’s power and BSNL’s dedication to providing reliable, high-speed connectivity across the nation.