BSNL to Upgrade Its Towers to 5G Within 6–8 Months, Says Minister Scindia

Report by: Syed Taskin Ahmed 

New Delhi, October 5, 2025 — In a major push toward advancing India’s telecom infrastructure, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to upgrade its existing 4G network towers to 5G within the next six to eight months, according to Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

The move marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing digital transformation and aims to enhance high-speed connectivity across the nation. Speaking at a telecom industry event, Scindia stated that the upgrade will help BSNL “join the global 5G club” and provide better network quality to both urban and rural users.

> “India is rapidly pioneering in communications, technology, and artificial intelligence. With over 944 million broadband users, the country is witnessing a digital revolution, and BSNL’s 5G initiative will further strengthen this progress,” Scindia said.

The public sector telecom giant has been working to modernize its infrastructure as part of the government’s Digital India initiative. The 5G upgrade will not only improve data speeds but also play a crucial role in enabling new-age technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things), AI-driven services, and smart city connectivity.

Industry experts believe that BSNL’s transition to 5G will be critical for bridging the digital divide, especially in remote and under-served regions. Once completed, BSNL is expected to compete more effectively with private telecom players already offering 5G services across major cities.