Telecommunication infrastructure providers and equipment manufacturers have flagged disruptions to telecom tower connectivity in India due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Blockages along freight routes have also driven up transportation, logistics and insurance costs for telecom equipment imports.
In representations to the Department of Telecommunications and various state governments, the Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA) highlighted that field personnel are being denied the purchase of diesel in drums at petrol pumps. These restrictions stem from measures to prevent fuel hoarding, but the industry has pointed out that telecom towers fall under essential infrastructure. Several districts across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have imposed limits on diesel sales in containers.
According to DIPA, this has led many fuel stations to stop supplying diesel to telecom field teams, affecting routine refuelling operations. In Maharashtra, the impact is already being felt on network continuity.
At the same time, multiple states are experiencing power outages lasting four to six hours daily, increasing reliance on diesel generators for backup power. Supply chain challenges are also emerging in telecom tower manufacturing due to restrictions on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas. DIPA noted that disruptions in LPG supply to galvanisation units, which are critical for tower production, could delay network expansion and infrastructure rollout.
The conflict has further created logistical and financial challenges for telecom equipment manufacturers. The Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA) reported significant delays in equipment deliveries to telecom operators. Shipments that previously took a week are now taking up to a month to arrive, according to TEMA.
Furthermore, Commtel Networks, which provides telecom solutions to critical infrastructure sectors, said it anticipates a slowdown in new capital expenditure and requests for quotations in the West Asia region.
