
A Historic Push for Digital India
New Delhi, September 27 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited’s (BSNL) much-awaited Swadeshi 4G network, marking a significant leap in India’s push for telecom self-reliance. In a landmark event, he virtually commissioned nearly 98,000 4G mobile towers from Odisha, a move aimed at bridging the digital divide across rural and urban India.
“This is not just a telecom upgrade, it’s a declaration of India’s technological independence,” PM Modi said while highlighting the indigenous core of the network. Developed entirely with homegrown technology, BSNL’s 4G rollout is expected to provide affordable connectivity to even the remotest corners of the country.
Expanding Coverage to Remote Villages
One of the most heartening outcomes of this launch has been the connectivity of 17 remote villages in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, where residents are accessing 4G for the first time. Villagers expressed excitement, calling it a “new chapter in digital access” for education, healthcare, and e-governance.
Local officials said students would now be able to join online classes without interruption, and farmers could check government schemes or market prices directly from their mobile phones.
BSNL Recharge and Bill Payment: Simple and Digital
BSNL has ensured that subscribers don’t face hurdles in accessing services. Customers can recharge through:
- BSNL Portal – The official website allows easy recharge, bill payment, and plan browsing.
- BSNL App (My BSNL App) – Available on Android and iOS, the app provides a smooth interface for mobile and broadband recharges, complaint tracking, and checking data usage.
- UPI & Wallets – Platforms like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm also support BSNL payments.
BSNL Recharge Plans and Validity
BSNL offers a variety of prepaid recharge options:
- Unlimited Plans – Starting as low as ₹199 with unlimited calls and data benefits.
- Long-Term Plans – Yearly packs for users who prefer not to recharge frequently.
- Data-Only Plans – For those who rely heavily on internet usage.
Validity varies based on the pack – from 28 days to 365 days. Users can check active plan details through the app or by dialling *121#.
BSNL Login and Customer Care Support
For online services, subscribers can log in through the BSNL Self-Care Portal using their mobile number. The portal provides billing history, plan upgrades, and service requests.
For quick assistance, BSNL has a dedicated customer care number:
- 1503 (toll-free) – For mobile and broadband queries.
- Email and live chat options are also available via the portal.
People Also Ask: Your FAQs Answered
Is BSNL 5G available now?
Not yet. BSNL’s indigenous 5G is under testing and is expected after the nationwide stabilization of its 4G rollout. The timeline points toward phased launches starting 2026.
Is BSNL 4G launched?
Yes, officially. With the commissioning of 98,000 towers, BSNL 4G is now live across multiple states, starting with Odisha and remote districts like Chamarajanagar.
Is BSNL an Indian company?
Absolutely. BSNL is a 100% government-owned public sector unit (PSU) under the Department of Telecommunications. It was established in 2000 and remains India’s only fully state-owned telecom operator.
Expert Analysis and Future Outlook
Telecom experts say this rollout is more than a network upgrade—it is a strategic push against foreign dependency. By relying on indigenous technology, BSNL not only strengthens national security but also reduces costs in the long run.
However, challenges remain. Competing with private giants like Jio and Airtel, which already offer 5G, won’t be easy. Analysts believe BSNL’s edge lies in affordable rural coverage and government-backed trustworthiness.
If BSNL successfully transitions to 5G by 2026, it could reclaim its lost market share and become a strong alternative for cost-sensitive consumers.
Conclusion
The launch of BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G network is a moment of pride for Digital India. By covering nearly 1 lakh towers and connecting remote villages, BSNL has taken a decisive step toward inclusive connectivity. For millions of Indians, this isn’t just about faster internet – it’s about equal opportunity in the digital age.
As PM Modi said during the inauguration: “When villages connect, India progresses.”