PM Modi announces Made-in-India 4G stack is ready for export: Here’s what it means

Modi at IMC 2025

India has taken another step in building its own technology for mobile networks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 on Wednesday that India’s first fully homegrown 4G telecom stack is now ready for export. In simple terms, a “4G stack” is the complete set of tools and technology that makes a 4G mobile network work, from the towers that send signals to your phone to the software that controls how calls and internet data flow.

So, why is this important? Until now, most mobile networks in India relied heavily on equipment and technology from foreign companies. By building its own 4G technology, India can manage its networks independently, ensure better security, and even sell this technology to other countries.

The Bharat Telecom Stack, as it’s called, was developed by a group of Indian companies and organizations: BSNL, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks. TCS took the lead in combining the different parts. C-DOT provided the core network — basically the “brain” that handles data and calls. Tejas supplied the radio and base station technology — the “arms” that send signals to phones. The whole system was then connected with software that monitors the network in real-time.

This new system has already been installed in almost 97,500 towers across India, reaching about 26,700 villages. Around 22 million people, many of whom did not have reliable mobile internet before, can now access 4G services. That means faster internet, smoother video calls, and better access to online services. Another key point is that these towers are built so they can be upgraded to 5G in the future. So, when 5G expands in India, these towers won’t need to be replaced — they are ready for the next generation of connectivity.

The project was completed in about two years. It complies with international standards for 4G networks, which means it can work smoothly with mobile phones from around the world. Equipment tests have reportedly gone well, and the system is ready for commercial use. BSNL has already started offering limited 4G services in Delhi and plans to roll out 5G in Delhi and Mumbai by the end of 2025. The government has also committed money to expand the network and install more towers.

India is now one of only five countries in the world to develop a complete 4G stack from scratch. This is significant because it reduces dependence on foreign technology for critical infrastructure, gives India more control over its telecom networks, and opens opportunities for exporting this technology.

PM Modi also pointed out the progress India has made in the telecom sector over the past decade. From the days of slow 2G networks, India now has 5G coverage in most districts. Mobile manufacturing has increased 28 times since 2014, and exports of mobile phones and telecom equipment have grown 127 times. The installation of over 100,000 towers shows the scale at which India is expanding its network.

The government is also encouraging innovation and startups in the telecom sector through programs like the Digital Innovation Square and the Telecom Technology Development Fund. These initiatives provide funding and support for new ideas, helping India develop more homegrown technology in the future.

In short, India’s Made-in-India 4G stack is now operational across thousands of towers, improving connectivity for millions of people, giving India more control over its telecom networks, and preparing the country for future upgrades to 5G. It is also ready to be exported, meaning other countries could use Indian technology for their networks. For everyday users, this could mean faster and more reliable mobile internet, even in villages and remote areas, while India establishes itself as a player in global telecom technology.