Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will commence its transition from 4G to 5G services starting in June 2025. This announcement was made by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who emphasised the importance of this upgrade in enhancing connectivity across the nation.
BSNL is on track to complete its rollout of 100,000 4G sites by May 2025, with 89,000 sites already installed and operational. The transition to 5G will begin once this extensive deployment is finalised. The transition will require additional hardware, specifically Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), as well as software upgrades to ensure a seamless shift to next-generation connectivity. This upgrade is part of India’s broader push towards developing an indigenous telecom ecosystem.
Scindia highlighted that BSNL's 4G technology is developed by a consortium comprising C-DOT and TCS, making India the fifth country globally to develop its own 4G technology. The minister expressed confidence that India would lead in 5G technology following this transition. The government is exploring the creation of a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), akin to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), aimed at boosting domestic telecom equipment production. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's vision of establishing a robust indigenous telecom ecosystem.
Scindia mentioned ongoing efforts to combat telecom fraud. Through the Sanchar Saathi portal, the government has disconnected approximately 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections and shut down numerous WhatsApp groups linked to scams. The transition from 4G to 5G is expected to significantly enhance user experience by providing faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity. As BSNL moves forward with this upgrade, users can anticipate a more reliable and efficient telecommunications service.