For the past ten years, the story of India’s telecommunications has been mainly about connection and digital consumption. The swift proliferation of mobile data networks, along with the assimilation of millions of first-time internet users, has made the country one of the biggest digital markets globally. On the other hand, a consumer-driven telecom industry is gradually turning into a manufacturing industry through a drastic change. India is not only considering but also practically becoming a strategic global hub for the manufacturing of advanced telecom products, particularly RF systems, satellite and communication equipment, and next-gen wireless technology sectors. India’s evolution of the manufacturing ecosystem is supported by initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, local R&D, and partnerships with global OEMs. The manufacturing ecosystem is transitioning from assembly-oriented operations to high-value and innovation-driven capabilities.
From assembly to innovation
The ‘Make in India’ program was first conceived as a means of making the country self-sufficient in telecom hardware and reducing imports by increasing the local assembly. Today, that ambition has become a government policy of 100% local design, R&D, and system-level innovation. The telecom equipment ecosystem, mainly in RF and satellite components, is not just limited to contract manufacturing; increasingly, it is the world of innovation-driven enterprises that integrate advanced electronics, materials science, and software skills. This evolution has been made possible through government policy and an increasing market appetite at the same time. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) policies and the demand for trusted sourcing in telecom networks have created a favorable environment for the development of domestic capabilities. Indian firms are now making high-quality RF filters, antennas, and communication modules that are used in 4G, 5G, and satellite networks—the very same technologies that were previously limited to global industry giants.
The increase in RF and satellite ecosystems
RF engineering is the basis for all modern wireless communication, where mobile networks, radar systems, IoT devices, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites are included. During the last five years, India’s RF manufacturing capacity has sufficiently and rapidly expanded, driven by the availability of specialized component suppliers, a skilled workforce, and partnerships with the defense and space research programs. Simultaneously, India’s satellite communication sector is receiving huge and unprecedented attention. The upgrading of Satcom regulations and the entrance of private players to the launch and ground infrastructure have created new commercial opportunities. Local companies are making small-satellite payloads, ground station antennas, and high-frequency communication systems that can provide broadband connectivity in hard-to-reach areas, which is a very important support to the 5G terrestrial networks.
Global shifts and India’s opportunity
India stands to gain a lot from global supply chains moving around as a result of geopolitical realignments. The cost-effective, policy-stable, and engineering technology combination of India makes it a great substitute for the old manufacturing bases. Also, the telecom sector’s appetite for resilient, decentralized supply chains that go from RF modules to base station components is still allowing Indian manufacturers to enjoy a competitive advantage. The importance of India’s increasing partnership in global innovation is also very prominent. The cooperation between Indian design houses, academic institutions, and international telecom giants is leading to the creation of advanced technologies that are suitable for both commercial and military use. The camouflaging of hardware superiority with software-defined communication systems has already started giving the Indian companies an advantage in the next wave of digital infrastructure.
Future frontiers of telecom: 6G, satellites, and sustainability
The introduction of 6G and the incorporation of satellite-terrestrial networks will be literally indistinguishable from the telecom, space, and computing sectors. This union will require a new class of RF and antenna systems that can deliver high-frequency, intelligent beamforming, and eco-friendly transmission.
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Some Indian manufacturers who are already producing sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave components might take advantage of this transition. Environmental sustainability is another emerging priority. The next generation of telecom manufacturing will not only emphasize performance but also circular design, production of materials and components that are energy-efficient, recyclable, and in line with net-zero goals. India’s emerging clean-energy ecosystem and quest for eco-friendly manufacturing perfectly align with this transition.
Building the foundation for global leadership
India needs to invest more in advanced testing infrastructure, semiconductor fab, and design talent if it wants to make the nation’s position stronger in manufacturing. The compatibility of RF and satellite systems with cloud and AI platforms will be the main factor determining the sector’s competitiveness. Collaboration between the public research institutes, start-ups, and big manufacturers will be the key to keeping the industry progress going. The global telecom market is changing, its new characteristics are intelligence, interconnectivity, and innovation. India is not only participating in it but leading the transformation, thanks to its rising manufacturing capacity, design skills, and policy support. The future of telecom manufacturing in India will not be about following global trends but rather about creating them.
The article has been written by Konark Trivedi, Founder and Managing Director, Frog Innovation Ltd.
