Sunil Upmanyu, President – Operations, Finolex Cables Limited
From setting up India’s first few preform facilities to doubling its fibre capacity to meet the growing demands of 5G and data centres, Finolex Cables’ journey highlights how backward integration and indigenous innovation are helping strengthen the backbone of India’s digital highways. In an interview with tele.net, Sunil Upmanyu, President – Operations, Finolex Cables Limited, discussed the company’s strategic evolution from a traditional manufacturer to a comprehensive solutions provider as well as its future expansion plans. Edited excerpts…
What are Finolex’s key focus areas in the telecom space, and what recent business highlights reflect its strategy and capabilities?
At Finolex Cables, our primary focus is on transitioning from a traditional cable manufacturer to a comprehensive provider of digital infrastructure solutions. Our strategy is built on the three pillars of backward integration, product diversification and aggressive capacity expansion. A major highlight of our recent operations is the investment in the state-of-the-art Preform facility, which makes us only the second company in India to possess this specialised capability. This vertical integration allows us to control our supply chain from the optical fibre preform stage to the final optical fibre cable (OFC). Furthermore, we are shifting our product mix towards specialised solutions such as high-density ribbon cables (IBR technology) and micro-duct cables, specifically designed for the space constraints of urban 5G deployments.
How has the OFC market evolved over time, and how has Finolex’s journey progressed in this space? What have been the key demand drivers and milestones along the way?
The Indian OFC market has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from basic long-distance backhaul in the 1990s to the essential “last-mile” connectivity required today. Finolex has been at the forefront of this journey since our early days as a pioneer through our landmark joint venture with AT&T (Lucent Technologies) in 1995. We commissioned our first optical fibre plant in 2004. Over the decades, we have evolved in lockstep with the nation’s needs – moving from simple underground copper to becoming a self-reliant powerhouse in fibre production. A critical milestone for us has been the doubling of our fibre draw capacity to 8 million fibre km, ensuring that we do not just supply cables but also provide the high-capacity, low-latency infrastructure that modern 5G and industrial networks demand.
How is Finolex leveraging opportunities arising from government initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, BharatNet and the Smart Cities Mission?
Under the “Make in India” banner, we have reinforced our domestic manufacturing to ensure all our products are MTCTE-certified and meet the highest security standards for national infrastructure. We are actively engaging with the opportunities presented by BharatNet Phase III, positioning ourselves as a reliable local partner for rural broadband expansion. In the context of the Smart Cities Mission, Finolex provides the “central nervous system” – the specialised cabling required for internet of things-enabled sensors, public surveillance and smart energy management.
What are the key challenges facing the OFC market today, and how is Finolex addressing them?
Challenges such as the high costs associated with right of way and frequent damage to underground fibre during civil construction remain significant hurdles. The industry currently faces a challenging situation of high demand growth on one side and global supply chain volatility and geopolitical challenges on the other. Furthermore, we must navigate the rising costs of raw materials, particularly given the strengthening dollar. Finolex addresses these through technical innovation and financial resilience. Even when there are opportunities for higher price realisation for optical fibres and OFCs in the global market, Finolex remains committed to prioritising and serving domestic customers.
What is your outlook for the Indian OFC market over the next two to three years? What are Finolex’s growth and investment plans?
Our outlook for the next few years is exceptionally bullish, anchored by the rapid fiberisation of 5G towers and the massive buildout of data centres across India. We are currently witnessing a hardening of global fibre prices, which signals a robust demand cycle ahead. By aligning our Rs 5.8 billion capex plan with the government’s vision of a “Gigabit India”, we are ensuring that the nation’s digital highways are built on robust, indigenous technology rather than being dependent on international imports. We are also focusing on the emerging renewable energy sector, where our specialised OFCs will serve the solar and windmill industries. As we move towards FY 2027, our goal is to continue to invest in future-ready technologies to exceed the expectations of customers, ensuring that Finolex remains the primary architect of India’s digital future.
