ICYMI- FTTH: A connected world by BE; CT media partner

Bharat Exhibitions in collaboration with Broadband India Forum hosted the 5th successive edition of FTTH India Hybrid Summit 2022 on 4th May 2022 at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi from 1000 Hrs to 1600 Hrs with a mix of hybrid sessions. Communications Today was the media partner for this event.

Mr. Shashi Dharan, MD, Bharat Exhibitions presided over the customary lighting of the lamp and welcomed the distinguished panelists in his welcome address.

Fiber for Digital India Highway was the theme for the inaugural session of the Summit.

The inaugural session was presided over by Mr. Rajat Mukarji, Director General, Broadband India Forum. He stated, “Since the last 2 years, we all are stuck in our homes and all we rely upon is WIFI for almost most the data consumption. The role of SATCOM and fiberized internet data has jumped manifold over the years. Customer experience has to be on a happy note at the end of the day and that’s what we all have to aim at”.

During the inaugural session, speaking on FTTH and its emerging technologies, Yugal Kishore Sharma, CEO, ONEOTT iNTERTAINMENT LTD & IN ENTERTAINMENT INDIA LTD was heard quoting, “Today’s world is a connected world. Even while on the way to this event, I didn’t miss a thing even for a moment, that’s what technology has ushered in via optical fibre, it has reached us in every nook and corner”. His company he reiterated has been solving issues relating to voice, internet data and now video in many challenging ways. “India today is a dominant force in world economy and we are all testimony to that, specially in the field of satellite broadband connectivity”, he said. Mr. Sharma, for all those who are unaware of is the person behind introducing video conferencing in India.

Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, gave a detailed analysis of how copper wires have been replaced by fiber and how the telecom sector has seen the biggest revolution of the decade. “I have been associated with the telcom sector for a long time now and I have been part of this change in technology, but what is heartening to see is that we are all adapting new changes and making it a part of our lives now”.

Next to speak was Dr. Alper Türken, Sr. Vice President, Sales, APAC & EMEA Key Accounts Management, CommScope who stressed on the burning topics of the day such as, IOT, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality. He was heard quoting, “There has been unprecedented demand for data and multi-purpose networks over the last couple of years. The next decade is going to be highly exciting, with most of the internet data fiberized all over the globe. He harnessed on the fact that this will further lead to socio-economic development which will be a great boost to the telecom sector”.

Mr. Tejinder Kumar, CTO Homes Broadband, Bharti Airtel Limited, stressed on the role of WIFI and fiberized networks for the entertaining purpose of Indian households, with special mention to streaming of Netflix, HotStar and many other channels. He said, “For FTTH, Bharti Airtel is focusing on new residential buildings which are coming up in these cities as these are easier to do than existing building”.

Shri Vivek Narayan, ITS, DDG (DS), Department of Telecommunications, Govt. of India., stressed on the issue of imparting skill development training to the technicians on ground for proper implementation and laying down of fiber lines. “If that is done in a meticulous manner, half of the problems are resolved in fiber technology, skilled manpower is so pertinent”, he reiterated.

Mr. Dhiraj Sharma, Sr. VP (Technology) Fixed Networks, Reliance Jio, delivered his speech via video conferencing during the summit.

Shri Sarvesh Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Broadband Network Ltd, stated that every gram and village panchayats will be covered by optical fiber in the next couple of years.

What followed next was a short networking break for the gathering.

Fibre-enabled Technologies and Latest Business Trends was the theme of the Technical Session of the Summit.

The technical session was chaired by Shri Vivek Dua, General Manager (CFA), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited who in his introductory remarks, gave a detailed analysis of FTTH and its current scenario. He stated, “The growth story of FTTH is a huge one now. With many hurdles on its way, India has seen unprecedented growth in terms of fiberization as well as backhaul technologies”.

Mr. Dean Pettigrew, Global Director, Emerging Markets, Global Product Line Management, Network Cable & Connectivity, CommScope spoke about the importance of Fiber Optics Development for Digital Economic Transformation. He spoke about minimal cable hauling and a simple point to point integration for FTTH. He was heard quoting, “FTTH networks are ideally placed for small cell penetration. So the design needs to be such which meets the growing demands of FTTH coverage and maximizing its potential”.

Dr. Rajeev Saraf, CEO, Lepton Software Export & Research (P) Ltd. in his address spoke about the co relative aspects of all networks and its management. He also highlighted the issue of accessing potential information throughout the organization starting from connection path to POP to finally the customer.

Mr. Rajneesh Taneja, Board Member, Corsis Technologies, said, “Optical fiber is the key. An average Indian spends approximately 4 and a half hours downtime in apps and mobile connectivity. We have to create a n utility corridor which will serve our demands and need s for the next 20 years in the field of FTTH”.

Mr. Shailendra K. Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, Shaildhar Telecom Services Pvt. Ltd. was the next speaker. He harnessed on a better understanding and dialogue between DoT (Department of Telecommunications) and Electricity Boards for smooth operation of ISP’s. He said, “Redundancy is a big challenge. That needs to be mitigated. Technical manpower is another issue in the area we are operating, i.e, the North East part of the country. Except Assam and Manipur, we are facing issues in manpower distribution in the region”. He also presented how Shaildhar Telecom is coming up with smart home solutions for future and better use.

Mr. Sudhir Kunder, Country Director, DE-CIX India, in his address was heard saying, “After China, India is the second largest country with 658 million users in 2022. By 2025, this number will increase to 1134 million internet users.” He stated that interconnections will help in better FTTH connections which will eventually enable better communications across all verticals.

Mr Dua, commenced the session ending on speaking about Role of converged FTTx Networks in roll out 5G Services and how Data Centres and Operator Strategies are to work hand in hand. He also said that Telco readiness for Next Generation Fixed Line Networks is the need of the hour.

Post lunch was followed by Session 3 with the theme as Sustainability Action Plans in the FTTH industry.

The 3rd and the final session were presided over by Mr. Rajat Mukarji, Director General, BIF. Mr. R. Srinivas, Sr. Advisor, TCPO, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs in his Introductory Remarks spoke about the policy efforts required to make FTTH a success in the country. He spoke about building and gated building solutions in the States and the Union Territories of India. He said In-Building Solutions is required to take FTTH to each and every household with better connectivity and accessibility.

Mr. Sanjeev Bedekar, CEO, Space World, spoke about In-Home Broadband Excellence and Fiber Monetization. Mr. Sandeep Girotra, CEO, ATC India in his speech spoke at length regarding the measures for improving QoS for Digital Connectivity inside new and existing buildings. Mr. Rajneesh Taneja, Board Member, Corsis Technologies spoke about the amendment to NBC & Building Bye-Laws

Mr. Arvind Bali, CEO, Telecom Sector Skill Council spoke at length regarding the Skill India movement that’s underway. He said that the Council is putting all things at place to harness the required skill set to manage FTTH connections in the country in a way which is not disruptive in nature. “Since connection is the key issue in FTTH, the manpower needs to be skilled in such a manner that customers are not left at the receiving end of issues facing daily, we are largely working towards that goal.”

The session was followed by a question and answer session where the distinguished panelists took some very interesting questions from the audience. The Summit ended on a positive note where the panelists hoped to meet each other again soon. Mementos were distributed to the sponsors and the attendees. The Vote of Thanks was given by Mr Rajat Mukarji, Director General, Broadband India Forum.

The FTTH India 2022 Summit was partnered by Commscope, Lepton Software, One GigaFiber, Corsis Technologies, LMES IConnectWe, Shaildhar Telecom Services Pvt Ltd, DE-CIX India, PDR Videotronics, Syrotech and Communications Today.

CT Bureau