Shillong, Sept 26: As part of its Silver Jubilee celebrations, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) today announced the rollout of indigenous 4G technology across the Northeast, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to launch the nationwide initiative tomorrow in Jharsuguda, Odisha. The PM will dedicate 92,633 new 4G sites, including 14,000+ towers under the 4G Saturation Project, placing India among just five countries globally with its own complete telecom technology stack, paving the way for 5G deployment.
In the NE-1 Circle, which covers Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, 406 towers have been planned (Meghalaya-238, Mizoram-53, Tripura-115). So far, 246 towers have been commissioned, including 136 in Meghalaya, 17 in Mizoram, and 93 in Tripura. The Swadeshi 4G rollout covers 12 districts in Meghalaya, 9 in Mizoram, and 8 in Tripura, with a total of 1,278 towers installed at an estimated cost of ₹1,092 crore.
Additional projects under BOP BIP and Phase IX.2 are extending coverage to border and remote areas. Under BOP BIP, 18 towers are planned (Meghalaya-15, Mizoram-3), with 2 commissioned in Meghalaya so far. In Phase IX.2, 848 towers are planned, with 262 in Meghalaya, and 252 have already been commissioned—expected to enable future 5G upgrades.
Speaking at the press briefing, Smt. Daily Giri, Chief General Manager, BSNL NE-1 Circle, said, “With this indigenous 4G rollout, India joins a select group of nations capable of developing and deploying their own telecom technology. This project will bring affordable and reliable connectivity to some of the remotest corners of the country, truly bridging the digital divide.”
She added that BSNL has turned profitable in recent quarters and, with government support, is confident of sustaining momentum while delivering world-class services. Officials also highlighted the role of partners such as TCS, C-DOT, Tejas Networks, HFCL, and Ceragon in building the “Swadeshi 4G” ecosystem.
The press meet was attended by senior officials, including Shri Thaiu Mag (PGM-Sales & Marketing), Shri H. L. Nongkhlaw (PGM-Consumer Mobility), Shri C. Lalhmachhuana (PGM-Consumer Fixed Access), Shri P. K. Barapatre (Sr GM-HR), Shri R. K. Soni (GM-BharatNet), Mr. K. Patton (GM-Enterprise Business), and Shri G. Pathak (FA to CGMT).
