Pankaj Chaudhary
Deputy CTO, Networks, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited
Pankaj Chaudhary is a seasoned telecom professional with 20 years of experience in the telecommunications sector. Currently, he is serving as deputy chief technology officer, networks at Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited. He oversees the planning and design of the telco’s 4G, 5G, AirFiber and JioFiber (FTTX) networks, and is also involved in shaping the telco’s technology strategy, managing network operations and R&D, and fostering technology partnerships. Further, his role involves leading digital transformation initiatives, ensuring cybersecurity, managing spectrum and ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance.
Chaudhary believes that the deployment of 5G SA networks for enhanced speed and IoT connectivity, the rise of private 5G networks for critical industries, and the increasing use of AI/ML for network optimisation and predictive maintenance are some of the key trends that the industry is witnessing. “There is also a growing focus on customer experience, cybersecurity, OTT competition and sustainability in operations,” he adds.
Despite the multiple challenges facing the sector, including spectrum scarcity, network congestion, regulatory hurdles and talent retention, Chaudhary is optimistic about its future. The roll-out of 5G networks and the development of 6G technologies present immense opportunities for innovation. The roll-out of HomeFiber and AirFiber is helping in digital growth. The increasing number of connected devices is creating new revenue streams and business models. All these offer substantial growth prospects for the future. According to him, telecom companies can play a crucial role in enabling digital transformation across industries. Offering cloud-based services can diversify revenue and enhance customer experience. Leveraging big data analytics can help in optimising network performance, improving customer insights and developing new products.
When asked about his most memorable assignments, he recalls several projects close to his heart – the roll-out of AirFiber, the launch of 5G in Delhi NCR and the deployment of Wi-Fi at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium by Reliance Jio. While at Bharti Airtel, he was involved in the eGram Panchayat project for the Gujarat government, which involved the deployment of VSAT to connect 14,000 villages via an MPLS network within seven months. Another project involved the deployment of 2,600 BSNL points of interconnection across India, for which he achieved a record 660 connections in a month.
Chaudhary is an electronics engineer by training and holds an MBA in marketing. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and spending time with family, which comprises his wife and their two children.
