Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched BSNL's indigenous 4G network, or "Swadeshi" 4G, on September 27, 2025. The network was built using an integrated technology stack developed entirely within India, positioning the country among a small group of nations that manufacture their own telecom equipment. 

Network rollout

• Massive tower installation: Over 97,500 new 4G towers have been installed nationwide, with more than 92,600 of these sites utilizing the new indigenous technology.
• Pan-India expansion: The rollout has covered multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha, where the launch was inaugurated.
• Focus on underserved areas: A significant portion of the rollout is targeting 26,700 previously unconnected villages in remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected areas, bringing digital connectivity to an estimated two million new users.
• Sustainable infrastructure: Many of the new towers are solar-powered, creating what BSNL says is India's largest cluster of green telecom sites. 

Key technology partners

The "Bharat Telecom Stack," a fully homegrown telecommunications solution, was developed through a collaboration between several Indian entities: 

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Served as the system integrator, responsible for orchestrating the large-scale deployment and integration of the various network components.
• Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT): Developed the core network application (EPC Core) that forms the central intelligence of the 4G network.
• Tejas Networks: Provided the radio access network (RAN), including the base stations and radio infrastructure. 

Performance and future outlook

• 5G ready: The indigenous 4G network stack was built with an upgradable architecture, allowing it to be seamlessly converted to 5G via a software upgrade. BSNL's Kerala circle, for example, has announced plans for a 5G rollout by December 2025.
• Competitive pricing: BSNL's 4G recharge plans are reported to be 30–40% cheaper than those offered by private competitors, which could attract a larger customer base.
• Improved financial health: The network's launch has been cited as a contributing factor to BSNL's improved financial performance, which included consecutive profitable quarters after 17 years of fiscal losses.
• Global recognition: The technology has garnered international interest, with 18 nations reportedly expressing interest in adopting it after it was showcased at the G20 Summit.
• Mixed speed reviews: While initial speed tests have shown varying results depending on the location, the performance is expected to improve with the full-scale rollout. In some tests, BSNL's 4G has outperformed competitors in specific areas.

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