BSNL Gears Up for 5G Expansion After 4G Success
Following 4G success, BSNL prepares for indigenous 5G rollout and introduces AI-powered customer tools like Vani and Bharat Sandesh.
State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is officially preparing for the rollout and massive growth of its indigenous 5G expansion. This strategic move follows the steady performance and ongoing nationwide expansion of its 4G network, marking a significant milestone for the public sector undertaking.
Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Vivek Dua, Principal General Manager at BSNL, confirmed that the company is moving swiftly toward next-generation mobile connectivity. He noted that the current 4G network is delivering the expected results, providing a solid foundation for the upcoming transition to 5G technology.
Indigenous 5G: A New Era for BSNL
The company is not just focusing on speed but on the pride of providing a homegrown, indigenous network. According to Dua, the ground is already prepared for this transition, ensuring that customers will benefit from a network built on domestic technology.
“Our 4G network is now delivering what it was expected to. We are further expanding the 4G footprint also in the months to come,” Dua stated. “Rest assured, we are all geared up for the growth of the 5G network again in the times to come, and customers definitely will have the pride of us being on the indigenous 5G network.”
AI-Powered Customer Support: Meet 'Vani'
To enhance user experience, BSNL has introduced advanced consumer support systems. A key highlight is the upgraded automated interface, Vani. This chatbot has been integrated directly with the core network infrastructure, allowing subscribers to resolve connectivity issues using their native languages.
The AI-driven Vani can identify specific challenges faced by a user. If a problem cannot be solved instantly, the system can book a formal complaint through voice conversation, ensuring minimal downtime for the subscriber. This initiative aims to bring customers closer to real-time network health data through intuitive, regional language interactions.
Enhanced Security and 'Bharat Sandesh'
Recognizing the importance of data integrity, BSNL has partnered with cybersecurity firm Saptang. This partnership aims to deploy an indigenous data filtration mechanism within the core network. This proactive security measure is designed to intercept and neutralize threats before they ever reach the end-user's device, ensuring "pure and clear" data flow.
Additionally, BSNL unveiled 'Bharat Sandesh', a revolutionary two-way digital communication platform. This AI-powered tool provides a unified interface for verified interactions between citizens, government bodies, and commercial entities such as banks and utility boards. Through a single screen, users can chat and interact with various service providers using voice or text, simplifying digital life for the masses.
Government Support and Digital Inclusion
Dua credited the government's significant financial and technical backing for the success of the indigenous 4G rollout. He also highlighted the BharatNet project as a monumental success for digital inclusion, bringing connectivity to the most remote corners of the country.
“Our government has always been very, very supportive... the 4G indigenous thing has come up only because of the government support, and that's the first success,” Dua remarked, emphasizing the role of state support in driving India's digital revolution.