Ankit Goel, Chairman and Founder, RANext Technologies, a Subsidiary of the Space World Group
While sectors like energy and transportation often dominate decarbonisation conversations, the role of digital infrastructure in achieving net zero cannot be overlooked. As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly powered by fibre networks, it stands to play an important role in accelerating clean growth and supporting the country’s environmental ambitions.
Fibre optics offer a more energy-efficient alternative to traditional copper networks, and their deployment can lead to substantial energy savings across various sectors, contributing to India’s overall decarbonisation efforts while enabling reliable and fast connectivity solutions. The infrastructure of neutral network connectivity has significantly developed over time to provide a more dependable, shared and sustainable architecture for the future.
The new-age neutral fibre infrastructure, also known as “green fibre”, offers a revolutionary approach to network deployment. By adopting a shared, operator-agnostic framework and removing barriers such as vendor lock-ins and exclusive infrastructure ownership, multiple internet service providers (ISPs) and digital service operators can function on a single and high-performing physical network infrastructure. Neutral fibre’s open access and collaborative features encourage healthy competition among ISPs, which leads to improved service quality, pricing options and innovation.
RANext Technologies is embracing this shift by building neutral fibre networks that are energy-efficient and environment-friendly. By enabling multiple internet and digital service providers to operate over a single, high-performance network, we eliminate the need for duplicate infrastructure – reducing resource wastage, minimising cable clutter and optimising space in densely built environments. This not only lowers the overall carbon footprint but also simplifies maintenance and reduces operational costs. Being tech-agnostic and scalable, neutral networks are future-ready – built to accommodate next-generation technologies without major rework, making them a truly sustainable and smart long-term solution.
Fibre optic cables consume significantly less energy than traditional copper cables. Overall energy consumption and carbon emissions can be reduced by migrating to fibre. Fibre optic networks also enable the deployment of energy-efficient technologies, contributing to energy savings.
Neutral fibre infrastructure also lays down the digital backbone for smart city ecosystems. Its high-speed, low-latency and reliable nature enables the integration of real-time monitoring and intelligent energy regulation technologies such as smart grids, connected buildings and intelligent traffic systems. These capabilities are essential for creating cities that are responsive, energy-efficient, future-ready and sustainable.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, is a key component in India’s decarbonisation strategy. Fibre optic networks can play a key enabling role in the digital backbone of green hydrogen infrastructure by supporting real-time monitoring, control and seamless data transfer across production, storage and distribution processes.
The advantages of fibre networks are not just limited to telecommunications. The network of fibre optics installed in commercial complexes, residential buildings, institutional structures and industrial sites helps in energy management. Further, the high-speed, low latency and reliable nature of neutral fibre infrastructure enables smart monitoring and efficient data transfer, helping optimise their energy usage and reduce emissions on a large scale.
Fibre optic networks form the infrastructure to enable high-speed, reliable internet, facilitating remote work, virtual meetings and digital collaboration. By reducing reliance on daily commuting and frequent business travel, this connectivity framework helps to facilitate more sustainable work practices.
As India’s data consumption continues to grow, deploying fibre through neutral methods is essential for driving cost-effective digital infrastructure while significantly reducing carbon output. At RANext, we view neutral network infrastructure (NNI) not only as a smart business model but also as a key contributor to sustainability. By minimising network duplication and optimising energy use, NNI helps reduce emissions associated with traditional fibre roll-outs. This shared, operator-agnostic model ensures efficient utilisation of resources, broader connectivity reach and long-term environmental benefits. At its core, NNI supports India’s vision of a greener, more inclusive digital future – aligning innovation with climate-conscious development.
Our technologies have helped developers produce future-ready properties from the start. Our plug-and-play fibre networks provide ISP redundancy, allowing residents and businesses to easily switch providers without rewiring or inconvenience – a feature that improves digital resilience and user empowerment.
We believe that NNI will be a key enabler for India’s net zero goals by providing a foundation for energy-efficient communication infrastructure, supporting the development of sustainable technologies like green hydrogen, and promoting energy efficiency across various sectors. Their deployment is crucial for India’s transition to becoming a low-carbon economy and achieving its ambitious climate targets.
