India is poised to be a digital superpower, says Prashant Singhal

“We have seen a data revolution, hugely accelerated by the pandemic in India. And thanks to the digital infrastructure, which was already on ground, we are all surviving and the economy is thriving.

Over the next three years, India is poised to be a digital superpower needing a huge digital infrastructure in place, both, physical infra and intangible infra. Physical infra is the towercos, transforming themselves into digital infrastructure companies. And this would require a USD 20 billion investment over the next three to five years.

We expect to add 300,000 towers, with an outlay of USD 6 billion; ensure 70-75% towers are fiberized, from the current 30 percent, and make FTTH available and double the laid fibre, needing a further outlay of USD 10 billion. The small cells too will need to grow 15-20 times, at an estimated investment requirement of USD 4 billion. The revenue opportunity for TowerCos or digital InfraCos is USD 1 billion.

Investments on a similar scale will be required for DAS, and dark fibre leases. This is imperative for accelerating 5G services, IoT and finally  becoming a truly connected digital nation.

Other opportunities as managing multiple sensors for Smart Cities,  increasing EV charging stations from 2000 stations to 3 million by 2030 abound for the digital InfraCos.

No doubt, success would be hugely dependant on government support and policy interventions.”

Prashant Singhal is TMT Emerging Markets Leader, EY, at DIPA’s Annual Flagship Event on January 21, 2022. Communications Today was the exclusive media partner.
CT Bureau