India is gearing up to roll out its locally developed 4G technology stack by mid-2025, marking a significant step towards boosting its telecom infrastructure and digital connectivity.
According to Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Communications and Development of Northeastern Region, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is playing a crucial role in this effort, with plans to establish 100,000 telecom towers to support the 4G network. So far, around 22,500 towers have already been set up, and the full rollout is expected by the middle of next year.
A key part of this initiative is ensuring that all unserved areas, including remote and rural regions, gain access to mobile and internet connectivity. The government has identified 25,000 villages without telecom services and aims to connect them by mid-2025 to achieve complete saturation in the country. This is particularly critical in Northeast India, which accounts for approximately 6,000 unconnected villages, making it the most underserved region. BSNL has been tasked with the responsibility of bringing these areas online, and the government has allocated Rs 450 billion to support the expansion of telecom infrastructure across the country.
The minister added that India is positioning itself as a leader in the global telecom space by focusing on 6G technology. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has set an ambitious target of securing 10 per cent of international 6G patents through the Bharat 6G Alliance. This will not only bolster India’s technological standing but also reflect the country’s push for greater self-reliance in telecom technology.
The minister noted that over 450,000 5G towers have been installed across the country, demonstrating India’s capability to adopt cutting-edge technologies rapidly.
