In a landmark development for India’s telecommunications sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated BSNL’s indigenous ‘Swadeshi’ 4G network on September 27, 2025, in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The event coincided with the silver jubilee celebrations of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), marking 25 years of the state-owned telecom company serving the nation.
The Prime Minister commissioned more than 97,500 mobile 4G towers, including 92,600 4G technology sites, built entirely using Indian-made technology. The project, which cost around ₹37,000 crore, positions India among a select group of countries, including Sweden, Denmark, South Korea, and China, that manufacture domestic telecom equipment. This development underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in critical infrastructure.
The ‘Swadeshi’ 4G network is cloud-based, scalable, and future-ready, allowing a seamless upgrade to 5G in the coming years. According to officials, the network is designed to meet the rapidly growing demand for digital services while ensuring reliability and security for users across the country.
Bridging the Digital Divide
One of the key highlights of this initiative is its focus on connecting underserved and remote areas. Over 26,700 previously unconnected villages—including 2,472 in Odisha—will now gain access to high-speed 4G connectivity. This move is expected to benefit more than 20 lakh new subscribers, empowering rural communities with digital services, educational resources, and telemedicine facilities.
Additionally, PM Modi unveiled India’s 100% 4G saturation network through the Digital Bharat Nidhi mission, which aims to connect 29,000 to 30,000 villages nationwide. This mission-mode project demonstrates the government’s commitment to achieving complete digital inclusion, ensuring that even the most remote areas of India have access to high-speed internet.
Sustainable Infrastructure
BSNL’s 4G towers are primarily solar-powered, making this the largest cluster of green telecom sites in India. This eco-friendly approach aligns with global sustainability goals and reduces the environmental footprint of telecom infrastructure, while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity in areas with limited electricity supply.
Boost for Digital India and Future 5G
The launch of BSNL’s ‘Swadeshi’ 4G network is a critical step toward realizing the vision of a fully Digital India. With the network in place, the government aims to integrate advanced digital services, smart technologies, and AI-powered applications, preparing the foundation for the nationwide rollout of 5G. The indigenous technology stack enhances national security, reduces dependence on imports, and strengthens India’s position in the global telecom landscape.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative impact of the network, noting that improved connectivity will drive economic growth, create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, and support education, healthcare, and governance initiatives in rural regions.
This milestone marks not just a technological achievement, but also a strategic move toward a self-reliant, digitally empowered India, fulfilling the government’s commitment to providing equitable access to digital infrastructure for all citizens.