TechPulse

BSNL Launches Intelligent Swadeshi 4G Network, Connecting 26,700 More Villages


In a historic move underscoring India’s digital transformation and technological self-reliance, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its indigenous 4G network on September 27, 2025, powered by the collaborative effort of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks. This state-of-the-art solution, known as the Bharat Telecom Stack, has been fully conceptualized, developed, and deployed in India, reflecting the core values of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The launch marks a significant technological achievement, making India one of only five nations worldwide to possess a fully indigenous telecom technology stack capable of delivering 4G and paving the way for future networks. With this launch, more than 26,700 additional villages are now digitally connected, giving millions of citizens access to essential services like e-learning, e-governance, telemedicine, and online banking.

TCS led the deployment of the end-to-end network architecture in mission mode, establishing data centers, integrating C-DOT’s EPC Core Application, deploying Tejas Networks’ radio access network (RAN) infrastructure, and using TCS Cognitive Network Operations (CNOPS™) for continuous, intelligent network monitoring.

The speed and scale of this deployment have been unprecedented. Within just two years, the teams successfully installed and commissioned over 100,000 telecom sites, achieving full integration with BSNL’s existing 2G and 3G infrastructure. This rapid rollout strengthens national telecom security and enables rural populations to benefit from next-generation connectivity.

“This nationwide rollout of our indigenous 4G network is a monumental achievement for national pride,” said Sh. A Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL. “It secures our digital future and ensures that connectivity empowers every citizen, bridging the digital divide like never before.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sh. Sandeep Govil, Director (Consumer Mobility) at BSNL, added, “This Swadeshi 4G technology, the result of tireless innovation by C-DOT, Tejas, and TCS, is engineered for scalability and ready for the leap to 5G. It will become the cornerstone for building a digitally inclusive society.”

N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, Advisor – Telecom Strategic Initiatives at TCS and Chairman of Tejas Networks, called the deployment “historic and significant,” noting that the Bharat Telecom Stack, compliant with 3GPP standards, lays a strong foundation for India’s future contributions to global telecom innovations.

This milestone adds another chapter to TCS’s six-decade legacy of enabling large-scale nation-building programs. From transforming passport services to digitizing pension systems and public sector services, TCS continues to build the digital public infrastructure that touches nearly every citizen in the country.

The Swadeshi 4G rollout is not just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic leap for India’s digital sovereignty, bridging rural-urban gaps and ensuring that the digital revolution reaches even the most remote corners of the nation.

Business, Entertainment

BSNL Partners with OTTplay to Launch Premium Mobile Entertainment Packs


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

BSNL has announced the launch of Premium Content Packs for its mobile customers in partnership with OTTplay, India’s first AI-powered OTT content discovery and distribution platform. Following the successful rollout of the free BiTV services in January, which drew massive user engagement, BSNL aims to cater to the growing demand for high-quality digital entertainment through these newly introduced premium packs.

The Premium Content Packs will offer BSNL users curated access to an expansive library of on-demand entertainment from leading OTT platforms, along with over 300 live TV channels. Powered by OTTplay’s advanced AI-driven recommendation engine, the content is personalized for users, offering a seamless and enriched viewing experience.

Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL, said, “At BSNL, we are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experience beyond connectivity. Our new Premium Content Packs, in collaboration with OTTplay, bring together the best of OTT and live television in one affordable offering, giving our mobile users an unmatched entertainment destination.”

These paid packs are designed to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience and will be easily accessible through multiple subscription touchpoints, including the BSNL Self Care App, GPay, PhonePe, and other widely used platforms. The collaboration is strategically positioned to tap into audiences in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets where BSNL maintains a strong network presence, significantly broadening the reach of premium digital content to millions of users who may not have had access previously.

This initiative marks another milestone in BSNL’s digital transformation journey and reflects the telecom giant’s commitment to offering value-added services that resonate with evolving consumer demands in the Indian market.