Energy management and optimisation are emerging as key themes in the Indian telecom sector. VNT, a leading provider of energy efficient solutions, is helping telecom companies in making their operations energy efficient and in reducing their carbon footprint. In an interaction with tele.net, Rahul Sharma, chief executive officer, VNT, talks about energy management trends in the telecom space and VNT’s offerings and focus areas…
How have the telecom sector’s energy management and optimisation requirements evolved in recent years? What are the key emerging trends?
India’s telecom sector is undergoing a major shift in energy management, driven by rising power costs, expanding 4G/5G networks, and stricter sustainability mandates. With energy being one of the highest operating expenses, telecom operators are prioritising equipment efficiency and smarter energy use.
Key emerging trends in the sector include the adoption of high-efficiency switched-mode power supply (SMPS) and rectifier modules, lithium-ion batteries for improved backup and lifecycle performance, and renewable energy solutions like solar and hybrid power systems—especially for off-grid and rural sites. The shift away from diesel generators toward green telecom towers is helping reduce emissions and long-term energy costs.
Advanced power management systems and energy-efficient hardware are also enhancing site-level reliability and performance. As India transitions to 5G, energy efficiency remains critical, driving innovation in sustainable infrastructure across the telecom landscape.
What are VNT’s key focus areas in the telecom sector? How are your solutions helping stakeholders in the sector?
VNT is committed to delivering innovative and future-ready energy management solutions for the telecom sector, helping operators meet their net-zero and sustainability goals. Our offerings include high-efficiency rectifiers—such as our 98 per cent efficiency model—which drive significant energy savings and enhance operational sustainability. We are also actively involved in the solarisation of telecom sites, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
Since inception in 2003, VNT has powered over 250 thousand telecom sites, including thousands of sites across Southeast Asian countries, with reliable and efficient power solutions. As we continue to grow globally, the focus remains on supporting telecom stakeholders with cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable energy infrastructure.
What were the key business highlights (in the telecom space) during 2024–25 for the company? What are your priorities for 2025–26?
In 2024–25, VNT continued its momentum by delivering advanced energy management solutions to telecom sites across India and international markets. We solarised over 300 sites, reinforcing our commitment to clean energy adoption. Our high-efficiency rectifiers were successfully deployed in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, helping telecom operators improve energy performance. We also enhanced infrastructure protection by implementing lightning protection systems across multiple sites.
In 2025–26, our primary focus is on helping telecom operators optimise energy usage, minimise power consumption, climate-proof their sites, and achieve their sustainability and net-zero targets. With the telecom sector contributing nearly two to three per cent of India’s total electricity demand, VNT aims to roll-out cost-effective, sustainable solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support long-term environmental goals.
What are the key energy challenges in the telecom sector, and what is the outlook for smart energy management solutions?
The telecom sector continues to face critical energy challenges, including high power consumption, rising operational costs, and the need for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. With the 5G rollout and network expansion, energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability have become top priorities. Remote locations often deal with unreliable power supply, while energy price volatility and extreme weather events add to the complexity. Global expansion also brings regulatory and compliance hurdles.
With regard to energy management solutions (through the use of high-efficiency rectifiers and proper remote control and monitoring) are essential for optimising power usage, reducing costs, and strengthening network reliability. The focus is increasingly on minimising environmental impact while maintaining operational stability.
VNT is committed to delivering high-efficiency, resilient energy solutions that help telecom operators overcome these challenges and support their long-term sustainability and performance goals.
