We’re poised to capitalise on 5G expansion with an eye on sustainability: Indus Tower’s CDIO

Earlier this year, Indus Towers, a leading telecom infrastructure provider in India, achieved a significant milestone by establishing a network of 230,000 macro towers across all 22 telecom circles across the country. Neeti Wahi, the company's Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), is spearheading its digital transformation, focusing on leveraging technology to meet the rapidly growing demand for network expansion across the country.

“As one of the world’s largest telecom infrastructure operators, we are dedicated to delivering smart operations and aim to triple our operational scale in response to the growing demand for telecom services,” Wahi told TechCircle in an exclusive interview, attributing the company’s success to extensive digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, support scalability, optimise energy use, and ensure safety.

Wahi emphasised that implementing digital technologies to improve operational efficiency and safety is central to its strategy. “Safety is our top priority. We enforce strict policies to prevent safety breaches, especially given the hazardous environments our technicians work in,” she stated, highlighting the use of computer vision technology to ensure adherence to safety protocols.

“In the past year, we added about 26,000-27,000 towers, three times more than in previous years,” Wahi noted, attributing this growth to the demand for better coverage and the shift to 5G. “Our clients require enhanced connectivity and coverage.”

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are vital to Indus Towers' strategy. Wahi shared, “We are organising our AI initiatives to boost operational efficiency. Our energy program aims to shift from current measurement methods to predictive models using AI, allowing us to anticipate maintenance needs and optimise energy usage.”

Energy management is also crucial to its operations. The company uses IoT technology to monitor energy consumption from various sources, including the grid, generators, solar, and batteries. “This data, combined with AI capabilities, will help us optimise energy use and facilitate remote operations for our towers,” Wahi explained, aiming to enhance cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.

Digital transformation is integral to Indus Towers' culture. “Our programs encompass processes, people, and technology to drive business outcomes, fundamentally changing how we work,” Wahi stated.

With a vision that merges technological expertise with strategic direction, Wahi highlighted, “We leverage Oracle Cloud technologies for critical business applications, including Fusion HCM and security tools. Oracle’s ability to build scalable platforms makes this partnership effective.”
The company is upgrading various Oracle platforms to enhance business operations and prepare for future growth, including the Oracle E-Business Suite, billing applications, digital identity systems, and Autonomous Data Warehouse (ADW).

Wahi noted, “As operators accelerate their 5G rollouts and expand networks, Indus Towers is poised to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities while prioritising sustainability.”

 Regarding competition benchmarking, Wahi believes Indus Towers' commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability solidifies its role as a valuable partner for telecom operators striving for network excellence. “As the telecom landscape shifts towards 5G technology, our dedication to progress highlights our essential role in India’s digital transformation,” she said.

With its extensive network and technological capabilities, Wahi believes Indus Towers is instrumental in shaping India’s digital future, enhancing connectivity, and unlocking numerous possibilities across various sectors.