Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s IT services giant, is poised to make waves in the global 5G market by exporting homegrown 5G radio network equipment, marking a significant step towards self-reliance and global competitiveness. The move comes as India embraces the “make in India for the world” mantra to address supply chain disruptions effectively.
Tejas Networks’ Cutting-Edge N78 5G Radios
TCS has set its sights on the Tejas Networks-developed N78 5G radios, with a vision to make them a universal choice for 5G projects worldwide, including key opportunities in the United States. NG Subramaniam, TCS’ Chief Operating Officer, affirmed the versatility of these radios, making them suitable for both greenfield and brownfield 5G deployments globally.
TCS, headquartered in Mumbai, operates as a systems integrator (SI) and actively contributes to the development of 5G Advanced and even 6G technologies. The company also actively participates in international forums such as the 3GPP (third-generation partnership project).
The Innovation and Compatibility
The N78 radio equipment is the result of innovation from Saankhya Labs and is designed to operate seamlessly within the 3300 MHz spectrum band. Tejas Networks, a Bangalore-based telecom startup, took over Saankhya Labs in the recent past and is now at the helm of manufacturing these groundbreaking radios.
In a strategic move, Tata Sons acquired Tejas Networks in 2021, reinforcing its commitment to fostering indigenous telecom equipment manufacturing. Tejas Networks currently serves as the primary supplier of radio equipment for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)’s ambitious 4G network program, solidifying its position in India’s telecom infrastructure landscape.
Collaborative Triumphs and Technological Milestones
TCS is part of a consortium, in collaboration with Tejas Networks and the state-owned Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), that has successfully deployed over 100,000 4G sites for BSNL following a successful proof-of-concept (PoC) at multiple locations. In a groundbreaking achievement, Tejas Networks recently showcased its 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) capabilities during BSNL’s 4G trial network demonstration in Chandigarh.
Unlocking the US Market Potential
The G20 summit in New Delhi witnessed India and the United States forging strategic partnerships in telecommunications, technology, and renewable energy, with a special focus on 5G and 6G technologies.
During the summit, US President Joe Biden extended an invitation to Indian companies to actively participate in the US Rip and Replace program, initiated in 2020. This program empowers US companies to replace telecom equipment supplied by Chinese giants like Huawei and ZTE due to concerns about potential security vulnerabilities and espionage.
TCS’s ambitious endeavor to export locally developed 5G radio equipment to the US market reflects India’s determination to emerge as a formidable player on the global technology and telecom stage, all while ensuring self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
