NewsVoir
New Delhi [India], July 18: Bharat Exhibitions successfully ended the third edition of the Broadband India Summit 2025 today at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi, signifying a major achievement in India's digital progress. Under the engaging theme, "Connecting the Unconnected: Bridging the Gaps with Wireline, Wireless, and Satellite Solutions," the event gathered key decision-makers, top telecom companies, infrastructure providers, and technology leaders. As India's broadband environment evolves quickly with advancements like Wi-Fi 6/7, Passive Optical Networking (PON), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, the summit highlighted the innovations enabling ultra-fast connectivity for experiences such as 8K streaming, VR, cloud gaming, and smart homes. Beyond being just a conference, the summit served as an active platform to influence policy, present groundbreaking technologies, foster collaborations, and support the inclusive goals of Digital India.
The Summit's Chief Guest, Shri Vivek Banzal, Director (CFA) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd., stated in his address, "BSNL is much more than a telecommunications service provider—it serves as a digital facilitator. As India strives for Broadband for All, BSNL's network, cost-effectiveness, and presence in rural areas make it essential. The integration of all technologies is the key moving forward; we must ensure coverage in every part of the country. This is the sole path for our nation, India. Indian connectivity that crosses all geographical limits is something that we, as service providers, concentrate on. When the entire country is connected, it is truly connected."
The Guest of Honor at the Summit, Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Director of the Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW), Ministry of Home Affairs, stated in his address, "The Ministry of Home Affairs is embracing this change. From digital identity verification to online passport services, broadband is transforming how we provide public services. Projects such as PM-WANI and Digital Bharat Nidhi are aiding in closing the urban-rural gap by supporting infrastructure development in underprivileged regions. As we increase digital access, we must also focus on cybersecurity, data protection, and digital literacy. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is a positive move. However, laws need to be supported by awareness and proper infrastructure."
Mr. Puneet Garg, President and Group Wireline CTO of Reliance Jio, in his speech as an operator, stated, "In the digital era, connectivity forms the foundation of advancement. Quick and dependable internet is no longer a privilege—it's essential. At Jio Fiber, we take pride in leading this change. Our goal is straightforward: to provide top-notch broadband to every part of India. With Jio Fiber and now Jio AirFiber, we are expanding our coverage to regions where conventional infrastructure falls short, aiding in closing the digital gap. Focusing on health and supporting government initiatives, our offerings ensure access to connectivity even in the most isolated areas of the nation."
Mr. Rahul Vatts, Director - OneWeb India and Chief Regulatory Officer at Bharti Airtel, in his speech as an operator, stated, "Satellite broadband is quickly becoming a game-changing option for internet access in India, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. Bharti Airtel is taking major steps in the satellite broadband sector in India, establishing itself as a leading player through strategic collaborations and joint ventures."
Prof. Kiran Kuchi, the founder of WiSig Networks and a professor at IIT Hyderabad, mentioned during the conference, "We are seeing the merging of various technologies, particularly within the infrastructure domain. 5G and Wi-Fi have come together at the network level, which is truly impressive. BharatNet, combined with other supporting technologies and fiber-to-the-home projects, plays a crucial role in providing final-mile connectivity."
Another speaker, Mr. Sachin Deshpande, CTO of Tata Play Fiber, mentioned in his special speech, "Tata Play Fiber goes beyond being just a service—it represents a dedication to digital empowerment. We are growing throughout cities and towns, making sure that every home, every business, and every student can access top-tier internet. In today's digital-focused environment, connectivity is no longer just a luxury—it's a must-have. Whether it's a student participating in online lessons, a professional working from home, or a family watching their preferred shows, high-speed and dependable internet is the foundation of contemporary life, with network reliability being essential. Enhancing customer experience is crucial, which involves improving service capabilities, such as integrating AI."
Shri Manoj Tandon, Director (Project, Operations & Maintenance) of RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, in his special speech stated, "The true effectiveness of broadband connectivity lies in its accessibility. More than 50% of our RailWire users come from semi-urban and rural areas—places where conventional broadband typically doesn't reach. We are not only linking people but also strengthening entire communities. The expansion of telecommunications drives national development—let us collaborate on a significant broadband initiative."
"RANext is leading the development of digital infrastructure and facilitating next-generation connectivity. With smart cities and structures becoming increasingly essential in India and around the world, RANext's efforts in this area go beyond mere business, offering connectivity solutions that are shaping the future of the industry. Our offerings are not only establishing the core of FTTx and other wireless technologies in India but also setting the stage for a digitally advanced future," said Mr. Gopa Kumar Krishna, Chief Executive Officer, RANext Technologies.
In his opening speech, Mr. Shashi Dharan, the Managing Director of Bharat Exhibitions, stated, "India is stepping into a new age of connectivity. As everyone is aware, satellite broadband is set to arrive in India! With the required approvals and clearances obtained, the government is currently working on the details for spectrum distribution. It is anticipated that commercial services will begin in November or December 2025."
Notable panelists and speakers from various industry sectors included Shri Arun Agrawal, DDG (Satellite), Department of Telecommunications, Smt. Padma Jaiswal, IAS, Secretary to the Government of the state and Union Territories and Secretary, Government of Puducherry, Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager - Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Founder & Director, LMES iConnectWe, Mr. Vivek Narayan, Former DDG DS, DoT, Shri R. Shakya, Addl. DG, Haryana LSA & Circle Head, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Laxminarayan R. Bhat, Head of Product Management, Astrome Technologies, Shri Khandagale Dhammapal Anil, Director (Satellite Finance), Wireless Planning & Finance Wing, Department of Telecommunications, Mr. Alok Gupta, Founder & CEO, Pyramid Cyber Security & Forensics, Mr. Debashish Bhattacharya, Sr. Dy. Director General, Broadband India Forum (BIF), Shri Ram Sajiwan Singh, DDG (IOT), Telecommunication Engineering Centre, Mr. Vinish Bawa, Partner & Telecom Sector Leader, PwC India, Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM (Retd), Director General, Indian Space Association (ISpA), Mr. Yugal Kishore Sharma, Founder & CEO, MyNEXT Broadband Services, Mr. Dharmender Khajuria, National Head - Network Partnerships, Bharti Airtel, Mr. Rajiv Mehla, Chief Business Officer, RANext Technologies, and Mr. Sanjay Kawale, Manager - Products, Commscope India Pvt. Ltd.
The Summit received support and collaboration from WiSig Networks, Commscope, RANext Technologies, Techspire Services, 6D Technologies, Astrome Technologies, LMES iConnectWe, Shaildhar Telecom, Saartek, Syrotech Networks, Communications Today, The Marcom Avenue, ITU-APT Foundation of India, Indian Space Association, and Broadband India Forum.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided byNewsVoir. ANI will not be held responsible for the content in any manner)