TCS's Ambitious Plan to Export Locally Made 5G Radio Equipment to the United States

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services company, is gearing up to take its locally developed and manufactured fifth-generation (5G) radio network equipment to the global stage, with a particular focus on the lucrative US market. This strategic move aligns with the Indian government's vision of 'making in India for the world,' aiming to address supply chain disruptions.

As reported by the Economic Times, TCS is eyeing opportunities worldwide, including the US, for its N78 5G radios, designed by Tejas Networks. TCS's Chief Operating Officer, NG Subramaniam, expressed confidence that these radios could qualify for various greenfield and brownfield 5G projects across the globe.

Subramaniam emphasized TCS's active participation in industry study groups, the development of 5G Advanced and 6G specifications, and engagement in international forums like the Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

The N78 radio equipment, developed by Saankhya Labs, is compatible with the 3300 MHz spectrum band. Tejas Networks, a Bengaluru-based telecom startup acquired by Tata Sons in 2021, is now manufacturing these cutting-edge radios. Currently, Tejas Networks is supplying radio equipment for Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as part of its next-generation (4G) network program.

Furthermore, TCS is leading a consortium, which includes Tejas and the state-owned Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), in deploying over 100,000 4G sites for BSNL, following successful proof-of-concept trials at multiple locations. In a recent milestone, Tejas demonstrated 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) technology for BSNL's 4G trial network in Chandigarh."