BSNL Powers Up India with Homegrown 4G Technology

Why BSNL 4G Technology in news?

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, India’s state-owned telecom giant, is gearing up to transform the nation’s connectivity landscape with the rollout of its indigenous 4G services.
This exciting development aligns perfectly with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) mission, promoting domestic innovation and reducing dependence on foreign technologies.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited 4G services, scheduled for a nationwide launch in August 2024, mark a significant milestone in India’s technological journey.
The core technology powering this network is entirely indigenous, developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), a government-backed telecom research body.
This achievement signifies India’s growing prowess in the telecom sector and strengthens its position as a self-reliant nation.

BSNL has already conducted successful pilot tests of its 4G services in Punjab, utilizing the 700 MHz and 2,100 MHz spectrum bands.
These trials yielded impressive results, achieving speeds of 40-45 Mbps, demonstrating the network’s potential to deliver a seamless user experience.
The pilot project also resulted in a significant boost to BSNL’s subscriber base in the region, with around 800,000 new customers signing up.

C-DoT’s core network technology forms the backbone of BSNL’s 4G infrastructure.
This core network encompasses essential hardware, software, and devices that manage crucial telecommunication functions like call routing, switching, and billing.
To establish a robust and scalable network, BSNL has partnered with leading Indian companies such as TCS, Tejas Networks, and ITI. These collaborations have resulted in substantial orders valued at approximately ₹19,000 crores for network equipment. An important feature of the 4G network is its upgradability to 5G, paving the way for a future-proof infrastructure.

BSNL’s nationwide rollout strategy hinges on the deployment of over 112,000 towers to support both 4G and future 5G services.
The initial phase of tower installation has already begun, with over 9,000 towers erected across states like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (West), and Haryana.
To ensure a smooth transition for existing customers, BSNL is currently offering 4G-compatible SIM cards, with upgrades necessary for those using older SIMs.

Founded in 1984 by the Indian government, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) plays a key role in the country’s telecommunications sector.
Originally tasked with developing digital switching systems, C-DOT has since expanded its expertise to encompass a wide range of wired and wireless telecom equipment.
With offices in Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata, C-DOT stands out as one of the few government organizations in India to achieve Maturity Level 5 of the CMMI-DEV (Capability Maturity Model Integration for Development) – a prestigious recognition of its excellence in project management practices.

Established in 1984, C-DoT has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s telecommunications landscape.
Its mission has been to develop cutting-edge telecom technologies specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Indian network.
C-DoT has spearheaded initiatives like pioneering rural telecommunication services and developing technologies such as digital exchanges, rural automatic exchanges, and next-generation networks.
By successfully delivering the core technology for BSNL’s 4G network, C-DoT continues to be a vital force in India’s journey towards telecom modernization, including the implementation of high-speed broadband solutions and advancements in indigenous 4G/5G technologies.

The launch of BSNL’s 4G services marks a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in India.
By leveraging homegrown technology, BSNL’s 4G rollout promises to empower individuals and businesses across the nation with faster, more reliable connectivity.
This, in turn, will fuel economic growth, enhance access to information, and create a more connected India.
With this initiative, BSNL sets a strong example for other sectors to embrace self-reliance and propel India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in technological innovation.