Telecom industry leaders such as BSNL, MTNL, Nothing, Apple, among others, announced their major projects or deals in India.
Rs 6000 crore Investment in BSNL and MTNL for 4G
India government has approved Rs 6,000 crore for BSNL and MTNL to expand 4G services across India. BSNL will set up 1 lakh new 4G sites to improve network coverage. This investment will enhance connectivity and provide more choices to users. Since 2019, the government has invested Rs 3 lakh crore in BSNL and MTNL, supporting network expansion and operations, Financial Express report said.
Challenges and Innovation in O-RAN Deployment
Indian telecom companies are exploring Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) to reduce reliance on vendors like Nokia and Ericsson. However, large-scale deployment faces challenges, including security concerns, interoperability, and cost. Companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have partnered in O-RAN initiatives but progress has been slow. Despite this, the telecom sector continues to explore new network technologies. The government is investing in research to support innovation in the field, with potential for O-RAN to become viable by 2030 when 6G is introduced, Hindu Business Line report said.
Nothing plans India manufacturing
Nothing, a London-based tech company, announced that its Phone (3a) series will be manufactured in India as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This aligns with the growing trend of local manufacturing in India’s telecom industry, where 99.2 percent of mobile phones sold are produced domestically. The company’s production in Chennai boosts local innovation, contributing to India’s growing mobile manufacturing sector, which saw mobile phone exports exceed Rs 1,29,000 crore in 2024.
Phone Case Market to Grow by $13.9 bn
The global phone case market will grow by $13.9 billion from 2024 to 2028, driven by the increase in smartphone use and more e-commerce sales. People are buying phone cases for protection and customization.
E-commerce is growing, especially in smaller cities. Major companies in the market include Apple, Samsung, OtterBox, and Spigen. Challenges include a lack of product standards, making it hard to compare cases. AI is helping improve the market, especially in customization and using sustainable materials.
Apple iPhone Exports Reach Rs 1 Lakh Crore, Thanks to PLI Scheme
Apple exported iPhones worth Rs 1 lakh crore from India in 10 months of FY25, boosted by the PLI scheme. January exports hit Rs 19,000 crore, a 30 percent increase from last year.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the PLI scheme helped, with total smartphone exports expected to exceed Rs 2.25 lakh crore in FY25.
India remains a key market. The iPhone was the top-selling model in Q4 2024, with a 7 percent market share. Apple’s shipments in India are expected to reach 11 million units in 2024.
