Transforming India’s Telecom Landscape Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi India’s telecommunications sector has achieved remarkable milestones in 2024-2025, driven by bold reforms, enhanced connectivity, and global recognition. Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, highlighted these achievements during a press conference, joined by Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Secretary of the Department of Posts, Smt. Vandita Kaul, and Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Dr. Neeraj Mittal.
BSNL’s Remarkable Financial Turnaround
Operational Profitability After 18 Years
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has achieved a historic milestone by turning profitable at the operational level after 18 years. In FY2024-25, BSNL recorded operational profits of ₹262 crore in Q3 and ₹280 crore in Q4. The company’s EBITDA surged threefold to ₹5,395 crore, while losses were significantly reduced from ₹5,400 crore to ₹2,400 crore. This financial revival underscores the government’s commitment to revitalizing public-sector enterprises.
Pioneering Indigenous 4G Technology
India Joins Elite Global League
A groundbreaking achievement in 2024-2025 was the successful deployment of India’s fully indigenous 4G stack, positioning the country as the fifth nation globally to develop its own end-to-end telecom technology. This technological leap enhances India’s self-reliance and strengthens its position in the global telecom industry.
Expanding Connectivity Nationwide
Achieving 75% of 4G Saturation Target
Under the government’s “100% Telecom Saturation” mission, India has made significant strides, achieving 75% of its target within a year. Of the 17,000 towers planned under the 4G Saturation Project, approximately 13,000 have been installed. Notable progress includes:
- Aspirational Districts: 81% saturation achieved.
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) Regions: Connectivity improved from 0% to 57% in Phase-I and from 74% to 87% in Phase-II.
- Island Territories: Execution advanced from 38% to 84%.
A real-time dashboard has been introduced to monitor and resolve issues related to land, forest, and security, ensuring faster project completion.
Strengthening Telecom Security
AI-Powered Fraud Prevention
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has prioritized telecom security through innovative tools like the AI-based ASTR, which disconnected over 82 lakh fraudulent mobile connections. The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator system has prevented scams worth nearly ₹200 crore. Partnerships with global giants like Google and a unified Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) enable seamless data sharing among over 750 government and private entities, including state governments, banks, and law enforcement agencies.
Modernizing Telecom Governance
Streamlined Processes and Enhanced Accountability
The DoT has introduced transformative governance reforms:
- Single-Window Clearance Portal: Reduced right-of-way approval times from 448 days in 2019 to just 33 days in 2025.
- TRAI’s Service Quality Standards: Monthly reporting replaced quarterly cycles, with operators required to map towers publicly and meet benchmarks like <2% call drop rates and <50ms latency by April 2026.
- BSNL’s Operational Overhaul: Chief General Managers now act as CEOs of their circles, setting and reviewing quarterly targets.
A first-of-its-kind “9-to-9” marathon review meeting was held to assess performance and share best practices, reflecting the ministry’s commitment to accountability and collaboration.
Global Leadership in Telecom
India’s Growing Influence
India has solidified its position as a global telecom leader, spearheading initiatives at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and securing a Tier-1 cybersecurity ranking. The expansion of satellite communications further enhances India’s global footprint, making it a model for inclusive and secure digital growth.
A Vision for Digital Bharat
Inclusive, Secure, and Innovative
Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the DoT has embraced the principles of Samaveshit (inclusion), Tvarit (speed), Surakshit (security), and Viksit (development). These principles ensure that no citizen, village, or enterprise is left behind in India’s digital journey.
Conclusion: A Model of Transformation
Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to universal connectivity, indigenous innovation, citizen protection, and global leadership. “Digital Bharat continues to inspire the world as a model of inclusive growth, with secure, self-reliant, and innovative telecom at its core,” he concluded.