G.D. Singh: CEO – Mobility, iBUS Network
G.D. Singh is a telecom expert with extensive experience in wireline telephony, broadband, OTT streaming and smart city projects such as Wi-Fi hotspots, street lightings, etc. Over his three-decade career, he has been associated with various companies, including a joint venture between VSNL and Punjab Communications, HFCL Infotel Limited and Reliance Jio.
In his current role as chief executive officer, mobility operations, at iBUS, Singh collaborates with telecom operators to enhance connectivity in buildings and other areas by setting up shared networks that optimise capex and improve coverage. “At iBUS, I was excited by the company’s unique vision of offering more than just traditional telecom infrastructure. We provide converged solutions to building owners, ranging from 5G and Wi-Fi to energy management and digital infrastructure services,”he says.
According to Singh, a key challenge today is the need to enhance digital connectivity across India, particularly within buildings where coverage often lacks the necessary bandwidth for high-quality services such as video calls and streaming.
He also believes that the recent price hikes by telcos are a positive step as they will enable increased capital investment and enhance service quality, particularly as the demand for 5G grows. Further, with increased revenues, operators will be better positioned to invest across multiple verticals. Subsidising handsets to facilitate the migration of 2G users to 4G or 5G and expanding connectivity to rural and suburban areas are some potential areas for investment. This will empower operators to improve both the reach and quality of their services.
Singh believes his greatest strength is his ability to embrace something new every day. When he asked about his most memorable assignment, he recalls his time at HFCL Infotel, where he was involved in marketing towers and fibre assets to companies such as Vodafone, Spice Telecom and TVI to raise capital and keep HFCL Infotel afloat. Although challenging, the experience taught him resilience, which has helped him navigate future assignments. Describing his management style, Singh says it is a blend of motivation and accountability. “I believe a combination of trust and discipline creates a productive and committed environment,” he adds.
In his spare time, he enjoys travelling. His family comprises his wife and two daughters. His wife is a corporate trainer and life coach. While their elder daughter is an engineer from the University of Wisconsin and Cornell University, their younger daughter graduated from Parson New York.
