BSNL Embraces Indigenised 4G Technology as a National Pride Initiative

BSNL's 4G stack should be viewed as a matter of national pride, according to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. He highlighted that the telecom company is choosing to develop indigenous products rather than relying on existing technologies. Scindia did not specify a timeline for the commercial launch of BSNL's 4G services but mentioned that a project management unit (PMU) is being established to set daily targets, which he will personally monitor.

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All I can commit to you is that along with Tejas, BSNL, TCS, CDoT... will all our players together...we are forming a PMU and that PMU will set...not weekly or monthly targets...but daily targets and those targets will be monitored by me and telecom secretary," Scindia promised.

National Pride in Indigenous Technology

Scindia emphasised the importance of viewing BSNL's 4G efforts with a sense of national pride. He noted that while it would have been easier for BSNL to adopt existing technologies, the Prime Minister has urged India to become a supplier of products, not just services. Therefore, BSNL chose the more challenging path of developing its own 4G stack domestically.

"It was easy for BSNL to pick up...existing technologies and do what others are doing but our prime minister has said that India must not only be supplier of services, but we must become supplier of products so you BSNL chose the harder route of developing own 4G stack in India," the minister said on the sidelines of curtain raiser for India Mobile Congress 2024, scheduled to be held in October.

Progress on 4G Plans

The minister assured that BSNL is progressing well with its Radio Access Network (RAN) and other equipment necessary for its 4G plans. He guaranteed that the required 100,000 RANs are on track but refrained from giving specific targets.

"Let me guarantee you we have on track our 100,000 RANs that we need to have in place... I am not going to give you target," he said.

MTNL Operations and Asset Monetisation

Scindia also mentioned that MTNL's daily operations will be transferred to BSNL. In the meantime, MTNL's assets will be monetised to pay off liabilities. The Government of India stands behind the Sovereign Guarantee Bonds, ensuring there will be no default.

"In the interim of monetisation of assets and some bonds coming due, the Sovereign Guarantee Bonds will stand good. Government of India stands behind the bonds and there will be no default and that is what you have seen," he said.

Scindia reiterated his commitment to visible outcomes at the earliest possible time. He stressed that the collaborative efforts between BSNL, Tejas Networks, TCS, and CDoT are crucial for achieving these goals.

The minister further said: "The view should be...we have great pride that India has developed its own 4G stack we cant wait for our phones to be adopted on that domestic technology."

The minister concluded by expressing confidence in BSNL's progress and reaffirming his commitment to monitoring daily targets closely. This approach aims to ensure timely achievements in BSNL's 4G rollout.

He said it is important to think of BSNLs 4G efforts with a sense of national pride.