“The focus has now shifted towards densification and fiberisation”: Interview with Salasar Techno Engineering’s Shashank Agarwal

India’s telecom infrastructure sector is witnessing accelerated expansion as the transition to 5G drives large-scale densification, fiberisation and next-generation network upgrades. In an interview with tele.net, Shashank Agarwal, Managing Director, Salasar Techno Engineering Limited, shared insights on the current state of telecom infrastructure deployment in India…

How would you describe the current state of telecom infrastructure deployment in India?

India is in an accelerated telecom infrastructure build-out phase. We have seen an unprecedented pace of deployment. The focus has now shifted towards densification and fiberisation. Operators are rapidly adding small cells and laying fibre to deliver the high speeds and low latency that new applications demand.

Telecom infrastructure is increasingly being developed with stronger domestic supply chains, higher engineering standards, and long-cycle execution visibility similar to other core infrastructure sectors. Assets are being designed to support heavier loads, multi-band operations and future technology overlays, positioning telecom networks as long-term digital utilities that enable enterprise networks, governance platforms, mobility systems and next-generation services. Therefore, the momentum is strong, and while challenges remain in rural connectivity and indoor coverage, the overall trajectory is very promising.

How are monopoles helping address space and deployment challenges in urban 5G roll-outs?

Monopoles are proving to be a game-changer for 5G in dense urban environments. The compact footprint of monopoles is crucial in cities where acquiring large sites is difficult and expensive. Monopoles can be tucked into sidewalks, traffic medians or other tight spots without disrupting the surroundings. They also offer a cleaner, sleeker profile; in fact, with camouflaging, such as disguising them as streetlights, trees or flagpoles, these poles tend to blend into city landscapes, easing community and municipal approvals.

From a deployment standpoint, monopoles are modular and prefabricated, making them faster to install, which means less on-site construction time and less inconvenience to the public. Additionally, modern monopoles are designed for multi-band antennas, small cells and future equipment additions, supporting phased upgrades as networks evolve. By reducing civil complexity, approval cycles and on-site disruption, monopoles enable faster network densification while meeting urban aesthetic and planning requirements.

How does integrated manufacturing help speed up deployments?

We believe in integrated manufacturing as a key enabler for faster and safer telecom infrastructure roll-out. Integrated manufacturing brings industrial-scale predictability to telecom roll-outs. At Salasar, we eliminate delays in the value chain and drastically cut down coordination issues by not having to depend on outside vendors for critical steps. Quality issues are eliminated as our own teams control each stage under stringent quality checks. Having in-house galvanisation allows us to ensure quick turnaround and consistent quality. Further, having the widest galvanising bath (3 metres) allows us to provide ultimate integration by taking on projects that other manufacturers would have to pass or outsource to us. For large 5G deployments, this reduces field-level variation, rework and coordination delays. It also supports higher engineering benchmarks, tighter quality control and better corrosion protection. Meanwhile, stronger integration between manufacturing and execution schedules enables smoother project financing cycles and more reliable large-scale roll-out planning.

What does the deployment readiness of Indian cities look like for integrated smart pole infrastructure?

Indian cities show improving but uneven readiness for integrated smart pole deployment. Leading metros with ongoing smart city initiatives and established fibre backbones are moving toward converged infrastructure models where telecom, surveillance, Wi-Fi, environmental sensing and mobility services share common assets. However, the readiness is not uniform. Some city administrations are more advanced, having already issued tenders and initiated installations, while others are still in the planning stage. Large-scale adoption still depends on coordinated approvals among municipalities, telecom operators and utilities, as well as reliable power and backhaul access. Cities that adopt standardised mounting norms, common ducting policies, and shared infrastructure frameworks will progress faster.

What are telcos and government bodies prioritising in telecom infrastructure projects beyond upfront cost?

Telecom infrastructure is being evaluated as a strategic national asset, where long-term performance and scalability outweigh short-term cost optimisation. Stakeholders are increasingly focused on lifecycle value rather than initial capital cost. Reliability, structural longevity and upgrade flexibility are now central considerations, as infrastructure must support future spectrum additions, higher equipment loads and evolving technologies without structural replacement. Energy efficiency and resilience are also rising priorities due to increased power demands and the need for uninterrupted services. Faster deployment capability, safety compliance and sustainability standards are influencing procurement decisions. Meanwhile, for public-sector initiatives, digital inclusion and disaster resilience are key drivers.

Looking ahead, how do you see demand for telecom and digital infrastructure evolving?

We anticipate sustained high demand for telecom infrastructure, possibly even accelerating, for at least the next 5-7 years. We foresee a continued boom in requirements for mobile network sites as 5G adoption deepens. Meanwhile, data consumption is exploding, and with upcoming technologies like 5G Advanced, 6G and internet of things applications, networks will have to become even denser and more capable. Further, we see a huge demand in fibre-optic infrastructure. The government’s push for programmes like BharatNet and overall fiberisation of the country means tens of millions of kilometres of fibre will be laid in the next few years. Beyond this, smart cities will drive investment in things like smart poles, public Wi-Fi, sensor networks and command-and-control systems.