As per media reports, employee unions of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a proposal to mandate the use of the company’s indigenous 4G services across all government-linked entities. The move is being positioned as a strategic intervention to strengthen India’s telecom self-reliance while ensuring optimal utilisation of public funds.
Push for Mandatory Adoption of BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G Network
According to reports, the representation was made through a letter dated April 6, 2026, by the Bharatiya Doorsanchar Manch, an umbrella body representing multiple employee unions including AIGETOA, BTEU, BDPS, and AIBSNLOBCEWA.
The unions have recommended that all mobile connections funded or reimbursed through public expenditure—including those of central and state government departments, public sector undertakings, and officials—should mandatorily operate on BSNL’s 4G network.
This recommendation, they argue, is not only an economic decision but also a strategic one aimed at strengthening India’s digital sovereignty. By routing government communications through a domestically developed telecom network, the move could enhance data security and reduce dependence on private or foreign-linked infrastructure.
Strategic Alignment with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Telecom Sovereignty
The proposal has been framed in the broader context of the government’s flagship Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The unions believe that mandating BSNL’s 4G usage would serve as a milestone in advancing the country’s ambitions of building a self-reliant telecom ecosystem.
Beyond national security considerations, the unions have highlighted the potential financial and operational benefits for BSNL. Increased subscriber base from government users could improve revenue streams, accelerate return on network investments, and support the company’s ongoing revival efforts.
They further noted that such a mandate would act as a catalyst for the domestic telecom manufacturing and innovation ecosystem, particularly as BSNL’s 4G rollout is based on indigenous technologies.
Indigenous 4G Rollout Gains Momentum
BSNL’s 4G network deployment is currently being executed by a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services, in collaboration with Tejas Networks and Centre for Development of Telematics. The project involves the rollout of approximately 100,000 4G sites nationwide, with an additional 20,000 sites planned in the near term.
This indigenous stack is seen as a critical step in reducing reliance on imported telecom gear and establishing India as a credible player in next-generation network infrastructure.
Competitive Pressure from Private Telecom Players
Despite ongoing government support and revival packages, BSNL continues to face intense competition from private operators such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. These companies have already rolled out commercial 5G services across multiple markets, widening the technology gap with BSNL, which is still in the process of scaling its 4G footprint.
In this context, the unions view mandatory adoption within government ecosystems as a stabilising lever that could provide BSNL with a captive user base and predictable revenue.
Parallel Demand for Full-Time Leadership at the Helm
In a separate but related development, the unions have also written to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, calling for the immediate appointment of a full-time Chairman and Managing Director for BSNL.
Currently, A Robert J Ravi is holding additional charge as CMD, a position he has been managing since July 2024. His extended tenure is set to conclude on April 14, 2026.
The unions have raised concerns that the prolonged absence of a permanent CMD has led to a lack of strategic clarity, weakened institutional leadership, and adversely affected employee morale. They emphasised that a stable leadership structure is essential for driving long-term initiatives, including network expansion, financial restructuring, and operational efficiency.
Leadership Vacuum and Revival Imperatives
The selection process for a full-time CMD has faced delays. The Public Enterprises Selection Board had conducted interviews for the role in March 2025 but reportedly did not recommend any candidate, citing a lack of suitable applicants.
The unions have urged the government to expedite the appointment process either through the PESB route or via a Search-cum-Selection Committee, stressing that decisive leadership will be critical to steering BSNL through its current transformation phase.
A Defining Moment for India’s Public Telecom Ambitions
Taken together, the twin demands—mandatory adoption of BSNL’s indigenous 4G services and the appointment of a full-time CMD—underscore the urgency felt within the organisation to reposition itself in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
As India accelerates its digital transformation and 5G expansion, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether BSNL can leverage policy support, indigenous innovation, and organisational reforms to reclaim relevance in one of the world’s most competitive telecom markets.
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