State-run telecom operator BSNL is set to begin its transition from 4G to 5G in June 2025, aligning with the completion of its 4G deployment across 100,000 sites, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced.
Of the planned 100,000 sites, 89,000 have already been installed, with 72,000 commissioned under the Single Cell Function Test (SCFD) process. The goal is to have all sites fully operational by May-June 2025, after which BSNL will initiate its 5G upgrade, Scindia stated. This transition will involve additional hardware (BTS) and software upgrades to enable seamless next-generation connectivity.
Scindia also highlighted India’s indigenous telecom stack, currently deployed by BSNL, as a potential global alternative to existing telecom technologies. India is now among the five countries worldwide—alongside China, South Korea, Finland, and Sweden—that have developed their own 4G technology, reinforcing the Prime Minister’s vision of an indigenous telecom ecosystem. The transition to 5G post-June will further enhance India’s position as a telecom technology exporter.
Additionally, the government is exploring the establishment of a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), similar to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), to boost domestic telecom equipment production. Discussions are underway with manufacturers to develop this ecosystem, with an emphasis on securing anchor customers for the initiative.
Scindia also reiterated the government’s firm stance on tackling spam calls and telecom fraud, emphasizing strong collaboration with telecom regulators, banks, and enforcement agencies to enhance security and user protection.
