New Delhi – India has launched its first fully indigenous 4G network, alongside the commissioning of nearly 98,000 4G towers using homegrown technology, the government said. The network, developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) with Tejas Networks providing the radio access network and integration by Tata Consultancy Services, is designed to be 5G-ready and aims to strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure.
The deployment represents a shift from earlier reliance on foreign technology for 2G, 3G and 4G services. Officials said the indigenous stack allows for rapid upgrades, improved scalability and future migration to 5G, while reducing dependence on external vendors. BSNL said the network is expected to improve connectivity in tribal regions, remote villages and hilly areas, supporting online education, telemedicine and access to market information for farmers.
“The indigenous 4G stack enhances India’s digital sovereignty, ensures supply-chain resilience and creates local employment in network design, deployment and maintenance,” a statement from the Department of Telecommunications said. The government added that the network currently manages around four petabytes of data daily, serving over 22 million citizens, including two million first-time internet users.
The rollout also forms part of India’s broader plans for 5G expansion. Since the launch of 5G services in October 2022, 200,000 sites covering 700 districts have been installed across the country. Telecom service providers have deployed 4.86 lakh 5G base transceiver stations across 28 states and eight union territories, providing coverage to over 80 per cent of the population.
Officials highlighted the network’s potential in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, smart cities, transport and media, citing the use of real-time IoT data, remote diagnostics, augmented and virtual reality applications, and connected vehicles.
The government is also preparing for next-generation 6G technology. The Bharat 6G Alliance, formed with participation from industry, academia and research institutions, is developing research infrastructure, including 100 5G and 6G labs. The Department of Telecommunications has approved projects worth ₹275.88 crore under the Telecom Technology Development Fund to support innovation in advanced communication systems and network technologies.
Globally, India has emerged as a major driver of mobile internet adoption. According to the International Telecommunication Union, more than 4.4 billion people were covered by 5G networks in 2024, with India contributing to over half of the year’s expansion in new connections.
Officials said the indigenous 4G network and ongoing 5G expansion are crucial steps towards supporting inclusive growth, homegrown technological capability and global competitiveness in next-generation telecom infrastructure.
