Explore India’s BSNL Made in India 4G Stack launch, its history, background, related projects like e-Sanjeevani, and why this moment is crucial in a world already moving towards 6G.
While the world is already discussing 6G, AI-powered networks, and satellite internet, India is celebrating the launch of BSNL’s Made in India 4G Stack. On September 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this indigenous network in Jharsuguda, Odisha, highlighting self-reliance and the government’s commitment to connecting rural and underserved areas.
This event sparked a mix of pride and debate: is India catching up, or are we celebrating something the world moved past years ago?
A Brief History of 4G in India
1. 2012–2015: 4G was first introduced in India by private operators like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. Early coverage was limited to urban areas.
2. 2015–2020: Expansion of 4G continued, but rural connectivity lagged behind. Millions of villages remained without stable internet.
3. 2021–2024: Government initiatives like BharatNet and Digital India aimed to improve rural digital access.
4. 2025: BSNL launches Made in India 4G Stack, marking the first fully indigenous telecom network in India.
India’s 4G journey reflects a slow but steady expansion, prioritizing rural inclusion over speed in global comparisons.
What is the Made in India 4G Stack?
The BSNL 4G Stack is entirely developed in India by C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) and Tejas Networks, including:
1. Core Network (EPC, MME, HSS, PGW) – The brain of the network managing calls, authentication, and data.
2. Radio Access Network (RAN) – The towers, antennas, and base stations connecting mobile devices to the network.
3. Software-Defined Architecture – Allows future upgrades to 5G and 6G without changing hardware.
4. Cloud Integration – Makes the network scalable, secure, and manageable remotely.
The launch included 97,500 new towers covering 26,700 villages for the first time.
Related Projects and Initiatives:
1. e-Sanjeevani (Telemedicine)
. Launched in 2019, e-Sanjeevani is India’s national telemedicine platform.
. Provides online consultations for millions, especially in rural areas lacking healthcare facilities.
. By 2025, the platform has delivered over 34 crore consultations, making healthcare accessible digitally.
2. BharatNet Project
. Aims to connect 250,000+ gram panchayats via high-speed optical fiber.
. Provides the backbone for BSNL’s 4G and other government digital initiatives.
3. Digital India Mission
. Launched in 2015 to make government services digital and accessible.
. Includes initiatives in education, healthcare, e-governance, and banking.
Why Celebrate 4G Now?
While the global telecom industry moves toward 6G, India’s 4G launch is more about inclusion than catching up:
. Millions in rural India still lack reliable internet.
. Urban India already has 5G, but villages often rely on 2G/3G or no connectivity.
. The launch ensures that digital education, online payments, and telemedicine reach those who need it most.
Global Context: 6G vs India 4G
| Country | Status | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Japan & South Korea | 6G trials | Planning commercial rollout by 2030 |
| USA & Europe | Satellite 5G integration | AI-powered networks & IoT |
| China | 7G prototype launch | Experimental satellite networks |
| India | BSNL 4G | Reaching rural India, laying foundations for 5G/6G |
The comparison highlights that India is still focusing on coverage, not cutting-edge speed — a strategic choice to reduce the digital divide.
PM Modi’s Statement
“BSNL’s Made in India 4G Stack or e-Sanjeevani service shows the sensitivity with which we are working to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized.”
This statement reflects social inclusion as the priority, emphasizing technology as a tool for development, rather than just global competition.
Challenges Ahead:
1. Network maintenance and uptime in rural regions.
2. Digital literacy: Villagers need guidance to use internet services effectively.
3. Preparing the same infrastructure to transition smoothly to 5G and 6G in the future.
Why India Is Still on 4G While the World Moves to 6G:
1. Infrastructure Gap
. भारत में बड़े पैमाने पर ग्रामीण और दूरदराज इलाकों में अभी भी 2G/3G या कमजोर नेटवर्क मौजूद हैं।
. दुनिया के विकसित देशों में पहले ही 5G/6G टावर और सैटेलाइट नेटवर्क स्थापित हैं।
. इसलिए भारत की प्राथमिकता सबको कनेक्ट करना है, न कि सिर्फ तकनीक में आगे बढ़ना।
2. Affordability and Cost Constraints
. 5G और भविष्य की तकनीक बहुत महंगी है — हार्डवेयर, सॉफ्टवेयर और टावर लगाने का खर्च।
. भारत जैसे विकासशील देश के लिए यह जरूरी है कि पहले रural inclusion और mass adoption सुनिश्चित किया जाए।
3. Focus on Social Inclusion
. PM Modi और सरकार ने यह स्पष्ट किया कि यह कदम गरीब, वंचित और पिछड़े इलाकों को जोड़ने के लिए है।
. 4G ही अभी उन जगहों में सबसे असरदार और टिकाऊ तकनीक है।
4. Homegrown Technology and Self-Reliance
. BSNL का Made in India 4G Stack पूरी तरह देशी है।
. इस पर ध्यान देने का कारण है कि पहले विदेशी उपकरणों पर निर्भरता कम की जाए।
. 5G/6G आने पर भी यह 4G नेटवर्क software upgradeable होगा।
5. Digital Literacy and Adoption
. लोगों को इंटरनेट इस्तेमाल करने की क्षमता (Digital Literacy) अभी भी सीमित है।
. 6G जैसी high-end technology तभी फायदा देगी जब उपयोगकर्ता तैयार हों।
India’s focus on 4G isn’t a technological delay, but a strategic choice:
. Connect millions of rural users first
. Build self-reliant telecom infrastructure
. Ensure cost-effective and sustainable adoption
Conclusion: Too Late or Just on Time?
Celebrating 4G in 2025 may feel outdated globally, but for millions of Indians, this is life-changing.
It’s not just about technology — it’s about reach, inclusion, and empowerment. BSNL’s Made in India 4G Stack lays the foundation for India’s digital independence, preparing the country for 5G, 6G, and beyond.
