Cisco Deploys 'Made in India' Gear for BharatNet 3

Cisco Systems is playing a crucial role in the ambitious BharatNet 3 program, focusing on deploying domestically designed, developed, and manufactured routers. This initiative aligns Cisco's local production capabilities with the Indian government's goal of expanding high-speed internet connectivity across the country.

BharatNet 3, officially known as the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP) Phase III, is fully funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) and is a flagship Digital India initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The program aims to connect approximately 650,000 villages with reliable, high-speed internet services.

Daisy Chittilapilly, President (India & SAARC) at Cisco, emphasized the synergy between the program and Cisco's manufacturing mission. “The technology we are deploying in BharatNet is also the product that's being manufactured in India for the world,” she stated, highlighting the tight alignment between the program's requirements and the company's local manufacturing efforts.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has mandated specific network designs for BharatNet 3, including the use of IP-MPLS technology for routers and a ring topology for the optical fiber network, ensuring robust and reliable digital access.

Cisco has a strong track record in the BharatNet program, with approximately 70% of previous deployments belonging to the company. "BharatNet's new phase is a program where Cisco has been very strongly involved," Chittilapilly added, expressing excitement about their continued participation and successful bid wins.

In line with the government’s mandate for a 50% local value addition for routing and switching equipment, Cisco has significantly ramped up its local manufacturing. In September of last year, Cisco, in collaboration with Flex, unveiled a manufacturing unit in Chennai. This facility is producing routing and switching products for both domestic deployment and exports, targeting $1.3 billion in total production value over two years.

The BharatNet 3 program, approved in August 2023 with an outlay of ₹139,579 crore, focuses on providing last-mile connectivity solutions, including Wi-Fi hotspots connected to 4G base tower stations, with future integration for 5G technology.

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is the project implementation agency for the network's operation and maintenance. The project has been divided into 16 packages, with the majority of the work already awarded to successful bidders, many of whom are utilizing Cisco’s network products.

While the BharatNet initiative has faced several delays since its inception in 2011, the amended program has a set completion timeframe of March 2027. Cisco views its involvement as a "huge responsibility" given the program's scale and importance as the country's biggest access initiative from a technology perspective.