Dhananjay Joshi, managing director, Summit Digitel
Summit Digitel, one of India’s largest telecom infrastructure providers, has been making major strides. Mobile network operators (MNOs) are utilising the towerco’s infrastructure for emerging applications/network solutions such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, massive multiple input multiple output, and outdoor small cells. As 5G penetration expands, the company is all set to cater to upcoming opportunities. Dhananjay Joshi, managing director, Summit Digitel, shares his thoughts on the new Indian Telecommunications Act, 2023, the role of towercos in enabling 5G, the key challenges and outlook for 2024…
What have been the key highlights for Summit Digitel during 2023?
The year 2023 marked significant growth for Summit Digitel, signalling our unwavering commitment to excellence. Notably, we have collaborations with all four major industry players (MNOs), fortifying our network and forging robust partnerships. The addition of around 18,000 sites to our portfolio, reaching a total of 174,451, reaffirms our dedication to providing extensive and reliable digital infrastructure.
We have received several prestigious awards, including the Gold Award for National Occupational Health and Safety Awards from the Indian Chamber of Commerce. We have also received the Best Technology Adoption Award from HDFC Bank for 2022-23. As chairman of the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association, I am privileged to note the dedication and commitment of our industry to the advancement of telecommunications.
What are your thoughts on the new Indian Telecommunications Act? How will it impact the sector?
The new Indian Telecommunication Act is a giant leap forward for the industry and has the potential to impact the sector positively. Its key provisions address several long-standing challenges and create a more conducive environment for growth and innovation. Excluding over-the-top and broadcasting services from the definition of telecom services provides clarity and aligns with the ever-evolving technology landscape. Further, the conversion of right-of-way (RoW) rules into laws, coupled with the absence of discretionary power for states and local bodies to amend or form RoW rules lays the foundation for a streamlined and progressive sector. The act also prevents the sealing or shutdown of telecom infrastructure without prior permission from the central government, ensuring the establishment of a robust digital network across the country. These transformative changes will not only have a positive impact on the industry but also inspire confidence for our future endeavours.
The new Indian Telecommunication Act is a giant leap forward for the industry and has the potential to impact the sector positively. Its key provisions address several long-standing challenges and create a more conducive environment for growth and innovation.”
How has the role of towercos evolved in the 5G era? What initiatives has the company undertaken to leverage opportunities in the evolving 5G landscape?
As 5G advances, towercos such as Summit Digitel will play a pivotal role. Our strategic initiatives are centred on tower densification, realignment of tower infrastructure to accommodate sophisticated 5G equipment, and the facilitation of tower fiberisation. We are positioned to capitalise on the opportunities of India’s dynamic 5G landscape through proactive infrastructure adaptation. This deliberate approach ensures that our infrastructure is not only 5G ready but also optimised to meet the industry’s evolving connectivity demands.
What are the potential challenges (policy, regulatory, etc.) that telecom infrastructure providers may face over the next three years? How can these be addressed?
The recently introduced Telecommunications Act addresses pivotal challenges such as spectrum allocation, RoW for telecom infrastructure, and defaults in payment by licensees. A key feature is that it provides the government with the authority to waive entry fees, licence fees and penalties, thus establishing a favourable regulatory environment. Our subsequent objective is to expand the role of infrastructure providers towards network companies. This necessitates continual engagement with regulatory bodies and policymakers to ensure a comprehensive strategy for addressing emerging challenges and fostering sustainable growth within the industry.
What is your outlook for the Indian telecom tower industry in 2024? What will be the three key trends in this domain?
In 2024, the Indian telecom tower industry is anticipated to undergo a significant transformation with a focus on capacity enhancement through the deployment of leaner towers.
The imperative need for tower fiberisation and the focus on sustainable energy management are particularly exciting developments. These trends resonate deeply with Summit Digitel’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology and prioritising sustainable initiatives. Not only are we observing these changes but we are also actively embracing and driving them, positioning ourselves at the forefront of positive industry evolution. We look forward to exciting times as we align our strategies with these trends and reinforce our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
What are the new growth drivers and opportunities that you are looking at in the coming year?
We are strategically positioning Summit Digitel for robust growth through innovative initiatives. Focusing on fibre sharing, integrating towercos and towers, and deploying leaner towers with increased densification underscore our commitment to staying ahead of the industry’s changes.
With these proactive strategies, we will not only be able to capitalise on emerging opportunities, but also solidify our position as a leader in the telecom tower industry by 2024. These measures are expected to strengthen our commitment to excellence and innovation, and will have a positive impact on the broader telecom infrastructure landscape.
