BSNL to begin 4G-to-5G transition in June, strengthen indigenous telecom push: Scindia

Jyotiraditya Scindia

State-run telecom operator BSNL will begin transitioning from 4G to 5G in June 2025, coinciding with the completion of its 4G deployment at the 100,000-site mark, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia told Moneycontrol.

“Out of 100,000 sites planned, 89,000 have already been installed. The Single Cell Function Test (SCFD) process is ongoing, with 72,000 sites commissioned. We aim to have all 100,000 sites operational by May-June 2025. Following this, we will transition from 4G to 5G, likely starting in June,” Scindia said.

This transition will require additional hardware (BTS) and software upgrades, ensuring a seamless shift to next-generation connectivity, he added.

Scindia also highlighted India's indigenous telecom stack, currently deployed by BSNL, as a potential global alternative to existing telecom technologies.

“India is now the fifth country globally to develop its own 4G technology, joining China, South Korea, Finland, and Sweden. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of an indigenous telecom ecosystem. Post-June, we will extend this to 5G, enhancing India’s position as a telecom technology exporter,” he said.

The government is also exploring the creation of a Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), similar to a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), with testing and certification facilities to boost domestic telecom equipment production.

“...we are now in conversation with manufacturers to make this happen, as partnerships will be key. We're looking at anchor customers for the same,” he added.

Additionally, Scindia emphasized the government’s aggressive crackdown on spam calls and telecom fraud, citing strong collaboration with telecom regulators, banks, and enforcement agencies.

“Through the Sanchar Saathi portal, we have disconnected 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections and shut down 1.5 lakh WhatsApp groups linked to fraud. A Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) has been set up to monitor fraud, and the I-Core Spoof Call Monitoring System is blocking 1.3 crore spoof calls per day,” he said.

The government remains committed to strengthening consumer protection across the telecom ecosystem, he added.