Jio, TCS likely to replace ZTE, Huawei gear in US

Domestic telecom solutions providers like Reliance Jio, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks are hopeful that the US Rip and Replace programme, and the deepening partnership with Washington in the technology sector will accelerate demand for their products.

The US Rip and Replace Programme is aimed at moving away from Chinese players like Huawei and ZTE, especially with regard to already installed 4G equipment in the US and replacing that with modern, fully functional equipment, which not only involve less capital expenditure, but are also responsive to changing business needs.

Apart from the bigger players, who will be able to find a market for their homegrown 4G and 5G stack, even smaller players like Lekha Wireless, Signalchip, Astrome, Resonous, BigCat Wireless will be able to export their radios, telecom backhaul technology, 4G base stations, among other solutions to the US market.

At the G20 summit, India and the US affirmed their commitment on building 5G and 6G technologies with the US President welcoming Indian companies for their support in the Rip and Replace Programme with regard to the pilot project initially.

Currently, Jio is working to commercialise its ‘made-in-India’ end-to-end 4G/5G stack and radio, whereas a TCS-led consortium, of which several local suppliers are also part, is currently deploying the BSNL 4G network through indigenous telecom stack and network equipment.

“These local suppliers have a full potential to replace Chinese equipment players. The opportunity not only exists in the US, but also Africa and other European nations,” said Rakesh Bhatnagar, director general of VoICE consortium, which represents companies such as TCS, Tejas, Lekha, Accord, Amantya, HFCL and other local suppliers.

Ramu Srinivasaiah, founder and CEO of Lekha Wireless, which provides connectivity solutions, said, “The US has a huge opportunity as there are many small telecom operators. We are ready with our 4G stack and exporting it to other countries. The next step for us is to take certification in the US.”

Lekha Wireless has a turnover of over `50 crore and is also one of the solutions provider in the BSNL 4G connectivity project.

While these companies are ready with their solutions, some of the concerns expressed by a few players are regarding scale, brand value appeal compared to Nokia and Ericsson as well as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification in the US.

“We see a market opportunity of $1-10 million for us initially. We have a strong R&D focus with regard to 4G and 5G wireless solutions. Since this partnership has opened doors for MSMEs like us, we urge the government to help us by getting an assured market as well,” said Subbaiah KV, CEO & founder of Bengaluru-based Resonous Technologies. He also expressed concern over a higher FCC certification cost in the US compared to India.

Certification is essential for the companies with regard to security purpose as well as product compatability purpose. In India, Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) certifies the solutions and equipment of companies.

Ramu Srinivasaiah, founder and CEO of Lekha Wireless, which provides connectivity solutions, said, “The US has a huge opportunity as there are many small telecom operators. We are ready with our 4G stack and exporting it to other countries. The next step for us is to take certification in the US.”

Lekha Wireless has a turnover of over `50 crore and is also one of the solutions provider in the BSNL 4G connectivity project.

While these companies are ready with their solutions, some of the concerns expressed by a few players are regarding scale, brand value appeal compared to Nokia and Ericsson as well as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification in the US.

“We see a market opportunity of $1-10 million for us initially. We have a strong R&D focus with regard to 4G and 5G wireless solutions. Since this partnership has opened doors for MSMEs like us, we urge the government to help us by getting an assured market as well,” said Subbaiah KV, CEO & founder of Bengaluru-based Resonous Technologies. He also expressed concern over a higher FCC certification cost in the US compared to India.

Certification is essential for the companies with regard to security purpose as well as product compatability purpose. In India, Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) certifies the solutions and equipment of companies.