HFCL:Driving the future of connectivity with advanced solutions -

Jitendra Singh Chaudhary, executive president, communications, HFCL,

Amidst India’s rapidly evolving communications landscape, enterprises are increasingly seeking the latest technology products and sustainable high-tech solutions. In this scenario, HFCL has emerged as a trusted partner, delivering next-generation networking solutions to meet these demands. In an interview with tele.net, Jitendra Singh Chaudhary, executive president, communications, HFCL, talks about the company’s focus areas…

What have been the key business and operational highlights for HFCL in the communications space over the past year?

The past two years have been significant for HFCL’s strategic transformation. We have successfully expanded our customer base beyond telcos, governments and railways, marking a significant growth in enterprise customers. This expansion has been driven by the successful development and delivery of end-to-end solutions. The key products in our digital network portfolio include internet protocol multi protocol label switching routers, L2/L3 switches, Wi-Fi solutions, artificial intelligence (AI)-based cloud network management solutions and 5G products.

One of our key products is the indigenously designed and developed unlicensed band radio (UBR), which provides telcos with a scalable and robust 4G/5G backhauling solution, thereby reducing wireless backhauling compared to traditional microwave/E-band solutions. With its compact design and plug-and-play technology, UBR provides fibre-like speeds wirelessly, making it a highly reliable product in hard-to-reach and challenging environments such as rural areas, mountainous terrain and islands. Last year, we launched the 2 Gbps UBR at the India Mobile Congress 2023. We have deployed over 500,000 UBR radios with all Tier 1 operators in India and some large international operators. Based on the robust performance and high-end technology of UBR, we have recently secured a purchase order worth

Rs 1.41 billion from Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the supply of 4G and 5G backhauling solutions for their mobile networks across India. We have also received several orders from a leading Indian telecom operator for the supply of 700 Mbps and 1 Gbps point-to-point UBRs. HFCL’s UBRs have been exported to over 10 countries in the past year.

We are also proud to be the first Indian company to integrate OpenRoaming across our entire IO portfolio of Wi-Fi products. OpenRoaming, a roaming federation service by the Wireless Broadband Alliance, creates a framework to connect billions of users and things to millions of Wi-Fi networks globally, enabling our customers to offer secure, automatic and uninterrupted Wi-Fi access to their network users across different OpenRoaming-enabled networks.

In terms of business achievements, HFCL is one of the largest Indian original equipment manufacturers of UBR and Wi-Fi solutions, holding over 35 per cent of the UBR market share. Our Wi-Fi 6 solution has over 20 per cent market share, serving governments and industries such as banking, education, hospitality, airports, sport stadiums and courts. Our IO by HFCL brand has been recognised as one of the fastest growing Wi-Fi brands in India and global markets.

How have customer requirements changed over time? How are you addressing them?

Customer requirements in networking have evolved significantly over the years. There is a clear shift in demand towards customised, ultra-reliable and intelligent network products that integrate seamlessly to support emerging technologies such as AI, internet of things (IoT) and machine-to-machine communication. We have also observed a growing demand among customers for end-to-end solution providers to meet all their networking needs. This shift requires tighter integration of multi vendor products into their environments. As an enterprise-first company, we are focusing on developing integrated product offerings, which include wired and wireless networks, to address diverse industry needs.

Central to HFCL’s strategy is IO Canvas, an AI-powered unified cloud network management system that provides a single pane of glass interface for managing all network deployments. This improves visibility and efficiency, and simplifies management. AI-driven predictive analysis enables IO Canvas to proactively resolve issues and optimise network performance for flexible network deployment options such as on-premises, private, public and hybrid cloud.

Recognising the importance of robust security in today’s digital landscape, we have also integrated advanced security protocols into our network solutions that protect against external threat vectors. In addition, we have automated provisioning and configuration capabilities that simplify deployment processes and reduce human intervention. HFCL also understands the need for scalability and flexibility. Our communication products support multi vendor environments through open APIs, and can anticipate and adapt to future customer needs.

What opportunities do you foresee for UBRs, routers and switches in India? What will be the key drivers?

India is on the cusp of a digital revolution, propelled by the government’s thrust on ensuring full “saturation” in the country and initiatives such as the BharatNet Phase–III project. HFCL, with its extensive portfolio of routers and switches, is well positioned to capitalise on the massive opportunities created by the BharatNet tender and BSNL’s roll-out of 4G and 5G services.

Further, there’s an uptick in the need for robust 5G backhauling (wired & wireless) solutions owing to the ongoing last-mile 5G expansion coupled with India Inc’s digital transformation, i.e. Industry 4.0. HFCL is a key player in India and global markets for its UBRs, which provide last-mile wireless connectivity with fibre-like speeds and cost-effective deployment. Its high-capacity routers and switches can manage the increasing data traffic from streaming services, IoT integration and intelligent enterprise applications. Meanwhile, the rise of smart city projects and enterprise digital transformation is creating a demand for high-performance and scalable network infrastructure.

With businesses moving towards the cloud, HFCL’s AI-powered network solutions are meeting the evolving customer needs, supporting India’s digital growth by offering seamless connectivity, flexibility and reliability across diverse industries through its range of solutions.

How are your networking solutions aligning with Industry 4.0? How are you supporting private 5G deployments across enterprises?

Our networking and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions are designed to align with the transformative demands of Industry 4.0. Our high-performance, scalable and secure infrastructure supports advanced technologies such as IoT, AI and automation, ensuring that enterprises stay at the forefront of innovation. Additionally, our solutions, including UBRs, Wi-Fi, L2/L3 switches, routers and 5G FWA, offer low-latency, real-time data processing capabilities, enabling businesses to optimise operational efficiency and seamlessly manage complex industrial environments.

What will be the future focus areas for HFCL? What are your plans to expand in global markets?

The next big thing is 6G technology. As a proud member of the Bharat 6G Alliance, we are deeply involved in the development of this cutting-edge technology. Although 6G is still in its early stages, we are confident that it will transform mobile connectivity to unprecedented levels. Over the next two years, we also expect substantial growth in Wi-Fi adoption, with Wi-Fi 7 poised to address the limitations of its predecessors, Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.

At HFCL, we are actively developing Wi-Fi 7 solutions, which are currently in the early stages of development. We are also working on an ultra-high-capacity UBR solution, which will offer 4 Gbps data throughput, ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity even in the most demanding environments. HFCL is also at the forefront of leading advancements in AI-driven network infrastructure, catering to the demand for Wi-Fi APs, supporting high-bandwidth and low-latency applications in homes and enterprises. Our priorities also extend to developing 5G Plus and 6G technologies, expanding radio capacities, enhancing routing capabilities and growing our portfolios in IoT and smart city solutions.

In India, HFCL will continue to drive digital transformation with AI-powered networking products, focusing on reliable Wi-Fi and UBR solutions. Our enterprise-centric approach, combined with strong research and development investments, positions us to address key connectivity challenges while maintaining our leadership in the domestic market.

Globally, we are expanding our presence in key international markets, including the UK, US, Europe and Africa. With experienced global teams, local offices and warehousing facilities, we are focused on forming strategic partnerships with leading global technology firms to broaden our reach and tailor solutions to meet international standards and diverse market needs. Sustainability is also central to HFCL’s strategy, with a strong focus on energy-efficient solutions and products designed to minimise environmental impact. We are committed to delivering sustainable and smart infrastructure and aim to become one of the top five Wi-Fi AP players worldwide by 2026.