iBUS Networks: Building reliable digital infrastructure for enterprises

As hybrid work models, cloud adoption, video collaboration and digital operations become mainstream, in-building wireless solutions, last-mile fibre and managed Wi-Fi are emerging as critical components of enterprise infrastructure. In an interview with tele.net, Manik Bahri, Vice President, Enterprise – Microsense Networks, an iBUS Enterprise, shared his views on India’s in-building and last-mile connectivity landscape and the company’s product strategy around neutral host and managed networks…

How do you see India’s digital infrastructure landscape evolving as demand for in-building and last-mile connectivity continues to grow?

India’s digital infrastructure is shifting from an outdoor coverage focus to an in-building performance focus. At iBUS, this change is very visible across IT parks, corporate campuses and mixed-use developments, where most data consumption now happens indoors. In the large office parks we support in cities like Bengaluru and Gurugram, enterprises increasingly expect seamless voice and data performance across all floors and zones.

With cloud adoption, video collaboration and digital operations becoming standard, last-mile and in-building networks are now business-critical. From my experience, shared and neutral infrastructure models are emerging as the most efficient way to meet this demand while ensuring scalability, cost efficiency and consistent service quality as 5G usage grows.

As neutral host networks, in-building wireless solutions and managed Wi-Fi become more mainstream, how is iBUS shaping its product strategy to drive stronger business impact?

Our product strategy at iBUS is built around scale and repeatability while keeping business outcomes at the centre. Neutral host networks enable us to support multiple telecom operators through a single infrastructure model, which we have implemented across large commercial campuses in Mumbai and Hyderabad. This approach reduces duplication and improves coverage consistency. Managed Wi-Fi has also become a key focus, particularly in enterprise environments where reliability, security and centralised visibility are critical.

From my perspective, product-led growth works when solutions are modular and future-ready. By standardising core platforms and adapting them to specific site requirements, we ensure customers continue to see value as usage and expectations evolve.

How are enterprises and real estate developers thinking about digital infrastructure beyond basic connectivity?

Enterprises and developers are now treating digital infrastructure as a long-term strategic investment rather than a basic amenity. At iBUS, we see this clearly in large IT parks and Grade A commercial developments, where digital readiness is discussed early in the design phase. In several projects across Pune and Chennai we have been involved well before construction completion to design scalable in-building networks. From my experience, this shift reflects a deeper understanding that strong digital infrastructure directly impacts tenant satisfaction, operational efficiency and long-term asset value.

As the company expands across markets, what have been the key challenges in scaling digital infrastructure and what has worked best so far?

With our expansion across markets in India, the focus has been on scaling digital infrastructure while maintaining reliability and customer-centricity. At iBUS, service consistency has been a key priority as we grow across regions with varying operating environments. What has worked well is a clear set of standardised deployment frameworks, combined with the flexibility for local teams to respond to on-ground realities. This approach has helped us scale efficiently without compromising on quality.

For instance, scaling across business parks in the NCR and south India has been driven by close coordination with developers and telecom partners. From my experience, disciplined execution and a focus on long-term partnerships, rather than rapid expansion, have been instrumental in helping us scale responsibly while strengthening reliability and customer trust.

Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities for digital connectivity and smart infrastructure in India?

The strongest opportunities lie in environments that are becoming increasingly data-driven. At iBUS, we see growing demand for managed networks that support IoT systems, building management platforms and real-time monitoring, especially in large commercial and mixed-use developments.

Projects involving smart offices and digitally enabled campuses in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad highlight this trend. From my perspective, customers are looking beyond connectivity towards intelligent, managed infrastructure that can evolve with their business needs. As India’s digital ecosystem matures, the ability to integrate connectivity with intelligence will become a key differentiator.