The Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) and EY released a report ‘Digital InfraCo – unlocking the tower power’. The report reflects the key opportunities for towercos to transition to digital infrastructure companies.

The occasion was graced by the eminent speakers and key dignitaries including Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Communications, Dr. P.D. Vaghela, IAS, Chairman, TRAI, Shri K. Rajaraman, IAS, Secretary (DoT), Dr. R. S. Sharma, IAS, CEO, National Health Authority, India, Ms. Jeanette Whyte, Head of Public Policy, Asia Pacific, GSMA, Mr. Jack Haddon, Head of Research, Asia, TowerXchange, Shri Niranjan Kumar Arya, IAS, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Rajasthan, Shri Tejveer Singh, IAS, Pr. Secretary (Dept. of Commerce & Industries), Govt. of Punjab, Mr. Akhil Gupta, Chairman, DIPA, Mr. Amit Sharma, Vice-Chairman DIPA and Mr. Prashant Singhal, TMT Market Leader, EY.

The telecom infrastructure industry has been instrumental in driving the connectivity revolution in the country. It has been the backbone of a rapidly evolving nation that is riding high on the digital transformation wave. To support India’s journey to a completely digital society, it is imperative for towercos to transform into digital infrastructure companies.

Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan mentioned,” the telecom sector has grown at a phenomenal speed during last 7 years in terms of network infrastructure, its usage, both voice and data, investment and reach. Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has completely changed the outlook of telecom manufacturing industry. Indigenous 4G mobile equipment has already been developed. In another 6 to 9 months, we will have indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 5G mobile network in our country. The recent telecom reforms under the guidance of Hon’ble Minister of Communications, Electronics and IT and Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, has introduced a new vigor in the Industry. The Government of India is committed to continuous reforms in the sector. Taking cognizance of the concerns of Digital Infra Providers, Government has been and will be taking several initiatives to address several issues pertaining to RoW and protection of telecom installations. DIPA should endeavor to make available best in the world Infra to all Service Providers in an unbiased and equitable manner as it is a very vital and strategic foundation for robust telecom network.”

Today, towercos are well positioned to expand their infrastructure portfolio, by tapping into adjacencies to cater to the changing needs of end customers. As part of the National Broadband Mission, it is envisaged that 5 million km of cumulative fiberization is required by 2024. Towercos are well positioned to address this opportunity through their experience of managing distributed infrastructure. Deploying small cells for network densification offers another exciting opportunity. Outdoor small cell deployment in India is expected to reach 475,000–550,000 by 2025.

Shri Chauhan further added, it is our bounded duty to take State of the art the telecom facilities to every citizen and every village. His Ministry is committed to achieve this vision of Honble Prime Minister by providing fibred to 6 lakh villages.

Robust digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for India becoming a leading digital economy and for its future competitiveness. Building this infrastructure with large scale optic fiber layout, hundreds of thousands of small cells, Wi-Fi and IBS infrastructure, EV charging etc. will require large investments running into billions of dollars. It presents significant opportunities for existing towercos to venture into adjacent spaces and realize significant value over the next 3-5 years.

The report was released during a virtual event ‘Robust digital infrastructure – key to digital transformation’ organized by DIPA.

Speaking at the occasion, DIPA, Director-General, Mr.T.R. Dua, said, “India as a nation has recorded a multi-fold rise in digital adoption, making it the second-largest consumer internet market. The telecom sector needs a prolonged and comprehensive approach for strengthening the industry. Our first and foremost priority is digital infrastructure buildout, which is essential for economic growth, job creation and the provision of services. Further expansion in scope of IP-Is by allowing active infrastructure sharing will be instrumental in realizing the shared infrastructure business model pioneered in India. With new technology adoption, suitable provisions can be accommodated in the ‘Indian Telegraph RoW Rules Nov’2016’ for facilitating deployment of in-building solution (IBS), small cells, aerial cable, and street furniture.”