In a significant move towards digital advancement and self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited 's (BSNL) 'Swadeshi' 4G network on September 27. The inauguration will take place in Jharsuguda, Odisha, marking a milestone in India's telecommunications sector.

Nationwide Rollout

The India-made network is slated for deployment across approximately 98,000 sites nationwide. The launch will be conducted simultaneously across multiple states, underscoring the scale and importance of this initiative.

Future-Ready Technology

Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted the advanced nature of this network, stating that the cloud-based infrastructure is future-ready and capable of seamless upgrades to 5G technology. This forward-thinking approach positions BSNL to adapt to evolving telecommunications standards.

Global Standing

With this launch, India joins an elite group of nations capable of producing and manufacturing telecom equipment. The country now stands alongside Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, and China in this technological capability, marking a significant achievement in the telecommunications sector.

Digital Bharat Nidhi Initiative

Alongside the 4G network launch, Prime Minister Modi will unveil India's 100 percent 4G saturation network through the Digital Bharat Nidhi project. This mission-mode project aims to connect between 29,000 to 30,000 villages, further bridging the digital divide in rural India.

The launch of BSNL's indigenous 4G network represents a major step towards digital empowerment and technological self-reliance in India. As the country continues to advance its telecommunications infrastructure, the impact of this initiative is expected to be far-reaching, potentially transforming connectivity and digital access across the nation.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has taken a significant step towards accelerating India's digital transformation by signing partnerships with four global technology leaders: Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Nokia Solutions and Networks India.

Strategic Collaborations for Advanced Training

The agreements, signed in the presence of Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, aim to establish cutting-edge training programs in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), networking, and digital technologies. These programs will be hosted at BSNL's prestigious Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training in Jabalpur.

Telecom Innovation Hub

As part of this initiative, the Department of Telecommunications plans to create a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre at the institute. This center will focus on:

• Developing telecom-specific R&D talent
• Supporting product innovation and prototyping
• Fostering telecom entrepreneurship

Specialized Training Centers

The partnerships will result in the establishment of specialized training centers:

5G and AI Training

• Ericsson India, Nokia, and Qualcomm will set up centers dedicated to 5G and AI training.

Networking and Cybersecurity

• Cisco Systems will leverage its Networking Academy Program to enhance skills in networking, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.

A Landmark Step

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the initiative as a landmark step in building a skilled telecom workforce. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between BSNL and global technology companies in achieving this goal.

This strategic move by BSNL is expected to play a crucial role in preparing India's workforce for the rapidly evolving telecom landscape, particularly in the areas of 5G technology and artificial intelligence. By partnering with industry leaders, BSNL aims to bridge the skills gap and foster innovation in the telecom sector, ultimately contributing to India's digital transformation journey.