BSNL Launches Pan-India Indigenous 4G Network Alongside New Affordable Plans, Eyes 5G Rollout by Year-End

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s state-owned telecom operator, has officially launched its pan-India 4G network on September 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone in expanding digital connectivity across the country. This launch follows the successful installation of over 1 lakh new 4G/5G towers nationwide, supported by indigenous technology developed in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tejas Networks, and the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT).

The 4G rollout is expected to dramatically enhance internet speeds, reduce call drops, and improve overall network reliability for BSNL subscribers across all telecom circles. The indigenous 4G network is unique in India for operating on the 700 MHz band, which provides better coverage, especially in rural and remote areas.

Alongside this technological advancement, BSNL has introduced a new prepaid plan priced at Rs 485 with 72 days validity. This plan offers unlimited free calling across all networks in India, 2GB of high-speed data daily (totaling 144GB), 100 SMS per day, and free national roaming benefits. Subscribers also get free access to BiTV, providing over 300 live TV channels and multiple OTT platforms for entertainment.

BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, A Robert J Ravi, highlighted that this 4G network launch represents India’s push for indigenous technological growth and telecom independence. The government has allocated significant capital expenditure to BSNL, including an additional ₹6,982 crore in 2025, to accelerate this network expansion.

In revenue terms, BSNL has made a strong turnaround, reporting operating profits exceeding ₹5,000 crore in the current financial year and adding new subscribers, reversing a prior declining trend. The government aims to increase BSNL’s average revenue per user (ARPU) and grow its enterprise business significantly over the next year.

Looking ahead, BSNL plans to initiate commercial 5G services in Delhi and Mumbai by December 2025, with its 5G infrastructure built on top of the newly installed 4G towers. This “Quantum 5G” service leverages indigenous technology and spectrum allocations at premium bands of 700 MHz and 3.3 GHz. Trials are already underway in several cities, with the state telco aiming to become a competitive player in India’s rapidly evolving telecom sector.

BSNL’s pan-India 4G launch, alongside affordable plans and upcoming 5G services, positions the company to enhance digital inclusion and strengthen its market presence while supporting India’s vision for a technologically self-reliant telecom ecosystem.

This comprehensive progress of BSNL reflects its commitment to upgrading telecom infrastructure, improving customer experience, and contributing to India’s digital transformation journey.