New Delhi, Oct 11: State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is preparing to expand its indigenous 5G services following progress in its 4G network rollout, a senior company official said on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026.

Vivek Dua, Principal General Manager at BSNL, said the company was moving towards next-generation connectivity while continuing to expand its 4G footprint across the country. “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 said, adding that BSNL was geared up for the growth of its 5G network.

He said customers would eventually have the opportunity to experience connectivity through an indigenous 5G network, highlighting the company's focus on developing domestic telecommunications infrastructure.

Beyond network expansion, BSNL showcased several technology-driven initiatives at IMC 2026 aimed at improving customer experience, strengthening cybersecurity and simplifying digital communication. One of the key initiatives is an upgraded version of its chatbot, Vani, which has been integrated with the company's core network infrastructure. The platform is designed to help subscribers identify connectivity problems and access support services in their regional languages.

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Dua said the integration would enable customers to obtain information about network health and report issues through voice interactions. Complaints can also be registered through the system, allowing the company to address service disruptions more efficiently.

The telecom operator has also partnered with cybersecurity firm Saptang to introduce an indigenous data-filtering mechanism within its core network. The system is intended to identify and filter potential threats before they reach users' devices, helping protect customer data and improve network security.

“We want to have those things attended to right in the heart of the network,” Dua said, explaining that the initiative aims to ensure safer data flows between networks and end-user devices.

Another initiative unveiled by BSNL is Bharat Sandesh, a two-way digital communication platform intended to bring government agencies and private enterprises onto a single interface. The platform will allow users to interact with multiple service providers, including banks, electricity companies and water utilities, through a unified digital interface. According to Dua, users will be able to select organisations, chat and communicate through voice-based interactions, with artificial intelligence powering the system.

Dua also credited government support for the development of indigenous telecom technology and the expansion of connectivity infrastructure. He said financial and technical assistance had played a significant role in enabling BSNL's indigenous 4G deployment. He also highlighted the BharatNet project, which aims to extend broadband connectivity to rural and remote parts of the country, describing it as an important initiative for digital inclusion.

BSNL's latest announcements underscore its efforts to strengthen its existing network while preparing for the next phase of mobile connectivity, alongside introducing AI-based customer services and enhanced network security. (With ANI inputs)