Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) is poised to embark on a transformative journey by transitioning from 4G to 5G technology by June 2025, a move strongly backed by India’s union telecom minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia. During the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum held in New Delhi, Scindia emphasized that India’s telecom sector has witnessed rapid advancements, aligning itself with global standards faster than ever before. As part of this transition, BSNL aims to leverage indigenously developed technologies, representing a significant step towards achieving self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign technology providers.
BSNL’s Roll-Out: From 4G to 5G
BSNL plans to complete the roll-out of its domestically conceived 4G technology using 100,000 base stations by May 2025. This ambitious project marks a crucial milestone for the state-run telecom operator, which strives to catch up with its private sector peers in terms of technology and infrastructure. The technology driving this transformation comes from a consortium led by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), reflecting India’s emphasis on fostering domestic innovation. Implementing this homegrown solution is expected to mitigate the country’s reliance on foreign tech, thereby bolstering national capabilities.
The upcoming shift from 4G to 5G represents more than just an upgrade in technology; it signifies a leap towards greater resilience and reliability in telecom infrastructure. The flexibility and scalability of the C-DOT and TCS technology promise a seamless transition. This technology is designed to integrate smoothly with the existing 4G infrastructure, which will be fully operational with 100,000 sites by April-May 2025. Hence, the groundwork laid by these 4G deployments will play a pivotal role in facilitating an efficient and effective 5G roll-out.
India’s Telecom Evolution and Global Positioning
Addressing the country’s telecom journey, Scindia noted the significant strides made during India’s 5G roll-out phase. He highlighted that the installation of approximately 450,000 towers within just 22 months resulted in unprecedented coverage of 80% of the population. This rapid deployment pace is acclaimed as the fastest 5G infrastructure roll-out globally. Scindia further projected that leveraging this trajectory would position India to potentially lead in 6G technology, underscoring the nation’s growing influence in the global telecom sector.
The planned transition to 5G, due by June 2025, is expected to be both quick and seamless, owing to the robust infrastructure established during the 4G phase. This remarkable progress is not merely a reflection of technological adoption but also showcases India as an innovator in global telecom standards. The infrastructural strength and the scalability of the locally developed technology suggest that India is making a strategic move towards consolidating its position on the world telecom stage, aiming to spearhead future technological advancements.
The Socio-Economic Impact of Telecom Advancements
In the last ten years, India has seen a dramatic increase in broadband connections, soaring from 60 million to 940 million. This exponential growth has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape, making telecom services increasingly affordable and accessible to the masses. For example, the cost of a voice call has plummeted from 50 paise a decade ago to just 3 paise today. Similarly, the price of 1 GB of data has dropped drastically from Rs 289 to approximately Rs 29. These changes have massively enhanced digital inclusion, boosting economic productivity.
The surge in broadband connectivity has had transformative impacts across various sectors, including education, healthcare, commerce, and governance. Enhanced digital inclusion has enabled greater participation of individuals in the digital economy, driving economic growth and productivity. As more people gain access to the internet and digital services, the benefits ripple through diverse aspects of societal life, from better access to online education and telemedicine to more efficient government services and business operations.
Broader Context: India’s Economic and Technological Growth
BSNL’s transition to 5G occurs amidst a backdrop of significant economic and technological developments across India. Recent noteworthy updates include the Nobel Prize in Economics being awarded to three economists from U.S. institutions, illustrating the interconnected nature of global and local economies. Other important issues like inflation, price hikes of essential medications, and industrial advancements driven by India’s Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme further highlight the country’s evolving economic landscape.
Geopolitical dynamics, such as tensions between India and Canada following remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau, also form part of this broader context. Local policy changes, exemplified by Maharashtra’s toll exemptions, and significant corporate appointments, such as Noel Tata being named chairman of Tata Trusts, underscore the dynamism within India’s corporate and political spheres. These varied factors provide a rich backdrop to BSNL’s technological advancements, illustrating the interplay between technology, politics, and economics in shaping a nation’s growth trajectory.
Conclusion: Propelling to New Heights
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) is set to undertake a major transformation by upgrading from 4G to 5G technology by June 2025. This significant shift is strongly endorsed by India’s union telecom minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum in New Delhi, Scindia highlighted the rapid advancements in India’s telecom sector, noting that it is now aligning with global standards at a faster rate than ever before. This transition to 5G is part of BSNL’s broader strategy to utilize homegrown technologies, marking a vital step towards achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on foreign technology suppliers. As BSNL embraces this new era of connectivity, it aims to not only enhance its service offerings but also contribute to India’s technological independence. The integration of indigenously developed 5G technology will not only boost the country’s telecom infrastructure but also pave the way for innovative applications, further positioning India as a key player in the global tech landscape.
