Cisco Systems has announced that it is deploying routers that are designed, developed, and manufactured in India, aligning its local production capabilities with the BharatNet Phase 3 initiative.
The Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP), under Phase III, is entirely funded by the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). It is a flagship initiative under the government’s Digital India mission, aiming to provide high-speed internet connectivity to approximately 650,000 villages.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated the use of internet protocol- multiprotocol label switching (IP-MPLS) based network architecture for routers and a ring-based optical fibre topology to ensure reliable digital connectivity for users.
Approved in August 2023, the programme includes last-mile connectivity components such as Wi-Fi hotspots linked to 4G base tower stations, with scalability to integrate with 5G networks. The enhanced bandwidth is intended to bolster last-mile digital access.
Further, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is serving as the implementation agency for the programme’s operation and maintenance. The project has been divided into 16 packages, most of which have already been awarded. The government has mandated a minimum of 50 per cent local value addition in the procurement of routing and switching equipment for this initiative.
Several vendors have secured contracts by quoting Cisco’s products, which meet the specified technical requirements. Furthermore, Cisco has secured a considerable share of project awards and is actively engaging with vendors.
Additionally, last week, Cisco reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in India, despite global geopolitical tensions. The company stated it is engaged in discussions with the US government regarding tariff uncertainties and confirmed that these issues will not affect its ongoing initiatives or planned investments in the Indian market.
