Jyotiraditya Scindia Announces Surge in BSNL Subscribers and Indigenous 4G Network

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that BSNL's subscriber base is increasing, with an indigenous 4G network ready for deployment. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the 4G network will soon be available nationwide, with plans to upgrade to 5G. The installation of numerous towers is underway to enhance service quality.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Saturday that the subscriber base for the government-run BSNL has been steadily increasing, thanks to a ready-to-deploy homegrown 4G network. Ongoing efforts to upgrade this network to 5G technology are also in progress.

Speaking to reporters, Scindia highlighted that under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, a 4G network using indigenous technology is set to become operational nationwide in a few months through Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Scindia emphasized that the government's decision to develop its network without relying on foreign equipment was a strategic move towards technological self-reliance.

Scindia asserted that BSNL aims to install 80,000 towers by October and an additional 21,000 by March next year, achieving a total of one lakh towers by March 2025. The minister also noted that the shift to 5G would involve minor modifications to the existing 4G towers, with the transition expected to be completed soon. He mentioned that the improved network would facilitate faster downloads and better television streaming experiences. Scindia also claimed an increasing number of telecom customers are switching to BSNL from private providers, attracted by promises of prompt service.

(With inputs from agencies.)