Connecting the Unconnected
In a landmark achievement for digital inclusion, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has completed a massive 4G network expansion across rural and remote regions of Odisha, installing 1,665 new solar-powered telecom towers. This initiative is a major leap in bridging the state’s digital divide, connecting 2,472 previously unserved villages and bringing them into India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
The announcement was made during BSNL’s silver jubilee celebrations, where Dusmanta Kumar Behera, Chief General Manager of BSNL Odisha Circle, hailed the milestone as a “transformative step” toward digital self-reliance and inclusive growth.
Indigenous Technology for a Digital Future
At the heart of this expansion lies India’s first fully indigenous 4G technology, developed through the collaboration of the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), Tejas Networks, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Behera emphasised that this network is “100% made in India”, reflecting the nation’s growing technological capabilities. The infrastructure is also software-upgradable to 5G, allowing for a smooth transition to next-generation telecom connectivity.
“This indigenous network is not just about connectivity—it’s about confidence,” Behera said. “For the first time, people in the remotest corners of Odisha can access mobile data, e-learning, and telehealth services without relying on imported systems.”
Empowering Rural Lives Through Connectivity
The rollout has already begun transforming daily life in Odisha’s tribal and rural belts. With mobile and data connectivity reaching far-flung villages, communities are gaining access to digital banking, e-governance, telemedicine, and online education—essential services that were once out of reach.
Through this project, BSNL is empowering citizens to participate in India’s Digital India vision, ensuring that the benefits of technology and information are not limited to urban centers. “Millions who had never used a smartphone or online service are now part of India’s digital revolution,” Behera remarked.
Driving the Digital Bharat Nidhi Initiative
The Odisha rollout forms a crucial part of the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) programme, under which BSNL aims to establish 14,180 new 4G sites across India. Collectively, these will deliver mobile connectivity to more than 20 lakh households in 26,707 remote villages, strengthening rural economies through access to digital resources.
Behera noted that this initiative aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. “It’s a decisive step toward bridging the digital gap, uplifting rural households, and laying the groundwork for BSNL’s 5G integration,” he said.
Green Energy for Sustainable Communication
A defining feature of the Odisha project is BSNL’s adoption of solar-powered telecom towers, each fitted with renewable energy systems to ensure uninterrupted operation in power-deficient regions.
This eco-friendly approach allows towers in forested and mountainous terrain to run independently, reducing the environmental footprint while improving reliability. “By merging clean energy with digital inclusion, we are ensuring that connectivity comes without compromising nature,” Behera highlighted.
The initiative also positions BSNL as a national pioneer in sustainable telecom infrastructure, advancing both India’s renewable energy goals and carbon neutrality commitments.
Expanding Fiber Connectivity Under BharatNet
In addition to mobile networks, BSNL is aggressively expanding Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) connectivity under the BharatNet programme, extending high-speed broadband to gram panchayats, schools, health centers, and rural homes.
The Phase-II expansion under the DBN scheme aims to cover all 6,798 gram panchayats in Odisha, transforming them into digital service hubs. This will enhance delivery of government welfare schemes, tele-education, e-healthcare, and digital payments, making technology an essential tool for social and economic growth.
A Connected, Sustainable Tomorrow
BSNL’s solar-powered 4G expansion in Odisha is more than a telecom project—it’s a blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development. By marrying digital empowerment with clean energy, the initiative ensures that even the most remote communities can access modern education, healthcare, and governance.
As Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev aptly put it, “Digital access is no longer a privilege—it’s a necessity.” With this project, BSNL has not only connected villages but also connected aspirations, laying the foundation for a digitally inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable Odisha.
(With agency inputs)
