Agartala, September 27, 2025: Tripura’s Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday highlighted the importance of indigenous technology, stating that BSNL’s 108 4G saturation mobile towers will play a crucial role in enhancing digital connectivity in rural India. He described the initiative as a “historic step” in the country’s digital progress.

The minister was speaking at a function held at the Noagaon, Mahanpur 4G Saturation BTS site, which was selected from Tripura for the national-level inauguration of 108 BSNL 4G towers by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nath said the expansion of 4G will enable faster internet access and extend benefits of digital services such as online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, biotechnology, and digital healthcare to rural communities. “Today, even villagers are enjoying the benefits of technology—from smart home devices to streaming movies on mobile phones,” he noted.

He stressed that internet connectivity in rural and tribal areas is key to overall development, echoing the Prime Minister’s remarks on the role of women and tribal communities in building Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Nath added that 4G towers have already been installed in 118 rural areas of Tripura, with efforts underway to ensure 100% coverage.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to self-reliance, he said India’s digital infrastructure is now being built with indigenous technology. “We do not need to depend on others for this internet,” he said, pointing out that 97,500 mobile towers have been set up nationwide at a cost of ₹37,284 crore.

Former Chief Minister and MP Biplab Kumar Deb and Rajya Sabha MP Rajiv Bhattacharya were also present at the event.