Last Updated:
The Swadeshi 4G network represents a significant step in India’s quest for technological independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File)
India is set to enter a transformative phase in its telecom journey as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to launch two landmark initiatives on Saturday, September 26. Announcing the development, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, revealed that the Prime Minister will inaugurate the roll-out of nearly 98,000 Mobile 4G towers across the country and unveil the Swadeshi 4G network, a fully indigenous, software-driven and cloud-based system that is future-ready and seamlessly upgradable to 5G.
Scindia described the move as a milestone in India’s march towards self-reliance, declaring, “No part of India will be left untouched.” He added that the 4G towers are already serving 22 million customers nationwide, signalling a new era of digital empowerment.
Recommended Stories
What does this mean for India?
The Swadeshi 4G network represents a significant step in India’s quest for technological independence. Built entirely on indigenous technology, it features a Radio Access Network (RAN) developed by Tejas Network, a core network created by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and integration by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Deployed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), this technology stack exemplifies the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by positioning India among the world’s leading telecom equipment manufacturers, the Ministry of Communication informed through a release.
This achievement is not merely about infrastructure; it demonstrates India’s capability to innovate at a global level. The software-driven, cloud-based architecture ensures a network that can easily transition to 5G, keeping India at the forefront of the rapidly evolving telecom sector, the government said.
Minister Scindia highlighted how these developments will directly benefit everyday Indians. “Students in Bihar will now have seamless access to world-class online education. Farmers in Punjab will receive real-time updates on Mandi prices. Soldiers stationed in Kashmir will remain connected with their loved ones. Entrepreneurs across the North East will be empowered with access to international expertise and funding,” he explained.
He further announced the launch of India’s 100 per cent 4G saturation network through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). Under this initiative, nearly 29,000 villages have already been connected as part of the 4G saturation project, coming ahead of BSNL’s silver jubilee celebrations.
India’s telecom growth
Secretary Telecom Neeraj Mittal presented an overview of India’s telecom transformation, tracing the journey from initial scepticism to the successful creation of an indigenous 4G stack. He credited India’s youth, industry partnerships and real-time monitoring for driving self-reliance and enabling the export of cutting-edge telecom technologies.
Mittal emphasised that India now stands at the cusp of a defining moment in global telecommunications. What once seemed impossible just four years ago has been realised through unwavering commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Digital Bharat and Vishwaguru.
With the launch of these initiatives, India is not only extending high-quality telecom services to over 1.2 billion citizens but also cementing its role as a global hub for telecom manufacturing. The unveiling by the Prime Minister will mark more than a technological breakthrough, it will signify the fulfilment of a vision of digital inclusion, self-reliance and global leadership.
September 26, 2025, 18:20 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
