Over the last decade, India has seen a rapidly increasing demand for connectivity. From metropolitan cities to villages, several Indian tower companies have played a pivotal role in providing seamless connectivity to the masses. Check out India’s top 10 mobile tower companies committed to shaping digital India.
Indian telecom market overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Growth and competition | The Indian telecom sector has grown significantly over the past decade, with about 842.39 million active wireless subscribers, making it one of the most competitive markets globally. |
| Shift in focus | Telecom operators are shifting from merely increasing subscriber numbers to enhancing the ‘active’ user base, emphasising operational prudence and improved service quality. |
| Data explosion | There is a substantial increase in data consumption driven by smartphone proliferation and the rollout of advanced data services like 3G and 4G, requiring significant infrastructure investments. |
| Revenue market share | More prominent players like Bharti Airtel and Vodafone are capturing more revenue market share, while smaller private players maintain their presence, indicating a consolidation of market power. |
| Regulatory environment | The sector is influenced by various regulatory frameworks and government policies that affect operations, pricing, and competition. Compliance is crucial for telecom operators and tower companies. |
| Challenges | The industry faces challenges like market saturation, declining Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), and the need for continuous technological upgrades to meet customer demands. Improving service quality is essential for customer retention. |
| Future outlook | The Indian telecom market is expected to rebound, driven by the ongoing data explosion and next-generation network rollout. Operational efficiency and innovative business models will be critical for sustaining future growth. |
Source: Delloite research on Indian tower industry
List of tower installation companies in India
Aster Â
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Aster is one of the key players in the tower industry. It is known for its excellent quality and contributions to the expansion of networks and connectivity. It is an infra engineering company that provides services all across the world, including in Asia, Africa and the Middle Eastern region.
GTL Infrastructure
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
GTL Infrastructure is a tower installation company founded by Manoj Tirodkar. It is one of the leading service providers. It provides a vast network to support the operations of various telecom operators. It has played a major role in shaping the Indian communication system with a focus on efficiency and reliability. It has also received multiple awards for its commendable work in Corporate Governance Business.
HFCL (Himachal Futuristic Communications)
Founded in: 1987
Headquarters: Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Futuristic Communications has a firm hold in telecom solutions along with mobile tower infrastructure. It uses a customer-centric approach to use its technology to provide for the needs of the customers. It has expertise in engineering services, installation and commissioning. It manufactures excellent telecommunication equipment and more.
Indus Towers
Founded in: 2007
Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana
Indus Towers was established in 2007, with its CEO being Binal Dayal. It is one of the biggest players in the telecom industry. It is also jointly owned by other famous names like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel. This collaboration has led to a massive expansion all over India. It provides infrastructure facilities to wireless service providers and telecom operators.
ITI (Indian Telephone Industries)
Founded in: 1948
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
One of the most famous names in the telecommunication industry owned by the government is the Indian Telephone Industries. It falls under the ownership of the Ministry of Communications. It produces ICT equipment and equipment for the Indian military, networking solutions and more.
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL)
Founded in : 1986
Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
Mahanagar Telephone Nigam is a telecom service provider owned by the state. Along with providing its services in New Delhi, where it is headquartered, it works in Mumbai as well. Its vast range of products include both wired and wireless broadband, internet, digital TV, mobile telephony dial-up and more. It also has made an international presence by setting up MTML in Mauritius to provide various mobile services.
Tower Vision India Â
Headquarters: Gurugram, Haryana
As the name suggests, Tower Vision India is an innovative tower management company. It has been an expert in the diverse and evolving needs of the telecom sector. From infrastructure to wireless telecommunications, it specialises in all of it. It also provides solutions to wireless service providers and other communication services.
Tata Communications
Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
Besides being in the mobile tower infrastructure business, it is also a worldwide name in communication. Tata Communications is a part of the famous TATA Group, which was founded to enhance the connectivity of our country. It offers advanced technology services, internet services, voice transmission services and more. Its other services include hosting, mobile roaming, global signalling, etc.
Tata Teleservice
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tata Teleservice is a subsidiary of Tata Group. It has ventured into the mobile tower industry, providing new definitions to Indian broadband and communication services. It is committed to providing supreme quality services and innovations in this sector. It offers several prepaid and postpaid plans, fixed-line internet services, etc.
Tejas Networks
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Tejas Networks is also one of the significant names in the telecommunication industry. Since its inception in 2000, it has provided communication solutions and many other products like packet transport networks, ethernet switches, video transport and many others.
Key trends shaping the Indian tower industry
Operational optimisation: There has been a notable shift from merely increasing the number of tower sites to focusing on operational efficiency and cost reduction. Tower organisations are partnering with telecom operators to optimise operations, including adopting advanced fuel management technologies, data analytics, and high-efficiency equipment.
The dominance of large players: The tower industry is witnessing a trend where larger players, often backed by telecom operators, are gaining market share. These companies have better access to capital, allowing them to expand more rapidly than smaller players. This consolidation will continue as larger firms leverage their financial strength to dominate the market.
Impetus from data growth: The explosion of data usage is driving the demand for more tower infrastructure. As telecom operators seek to address network congestion and improve service quality, tower companies are positioned to play a critical role in deploying new towers and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet these needs.
Traffic offloading to microsites: There is a growing trend towards deploying microsites and small cells to manage the increasing data traffic. These solutions help offload traffic from traditional macro sites, enhancing network capacity and coverage, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Focus on green towers and environmental sustainability: There is an increasing emphasis on building environmentally friendly towers, often called “green towers.” This trend includes using renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of tower operations.
Evaluation of alternate sources of revenue: Tower companies are exploring new revenue streams beyond traditional leasing models. This includes offering managed services, data analytics, and other value-added services to telecom operators, which can help diversify their income and reduce reliance on a single revenue source.
Regulatory and policy changes: The tower industry is also influenced by regulatory changes and government policies that can impact site acquisition, operational practices, and overall market dynamics. Staying compliant and adapting to these changes is crucial for tower companies.
Future of tower companies in India
The future of tower companies in India is poised for growth and transformation, driven by several key factors:
Data revolution: The increasing demand for data, fueled by the proliferation of smartphones and the rollout of 3G and 4G networks, is expected to create a significant need for additional tower infrastructure. Tower companies will play a crucial role in meeting this demand by deploying new sites and enhancing existing networks.
The emergence of new technologies: Tower companies will likely explore and adopt new technologies such as in-building solutions (IBS), small cells, and Wi-Fi offloading. These innovations will enable them to provide more efficient and effective services, catering to the growing data traffic and improving user experience.
Infrastructure sharing and managed services: As telecom operators focus on cost optimisation, the trend of infrastructure sharing is expected to continue. Tower companies can capitalise on this by offering managed services and becoming system integrators, providing end-to-end solutions that include site acquisition, design, and ongoing network management , .
Urbanisation and innovative city initiatives: The need for dense urban coverage will drive the demand for small cell sites and innovative site acquisition models. Collaborations with municipal corporations and civic bodies to deploy infrastructure on city assets will be essential for achieving street-level coverage.
Digital India initiatives: Government initiatives to enhance digital connectivity will create additional opportunities for tower companies. The push for improved infrastructure in rural and underserved areas will further expand the market for telecom towers.
Adaptation to market dynamics: Tower companies must remain agile and responsive to market changes, including operator consolidation, traffic offloading strategies, and introducing alternative access technologies. This adaptability will be crucial for sustaining growth and maintaining competitiveness in the evolving telecom landscape.
Challenges faced by tower companies in India
The key challenges faced by tower companies in India include:
Site acquisition issues: Suitable sites for tower installation are limited, particularly in urban areas. Concerns about radiation and local regulations can hinder the acquisition process, making it difficult for tower companies to expand their infrastructure.
Operator consolidation: Mergers and acquisitions among telecom operators can reduce the need for additional sites, negatively impacting the demand for tower tenancies. This consolidation primarily affects smaller players, which may limit growth opportunities for tower companies.
Infrastructure sharing: The trend towards network sharing agreements (NetCo) among operators can decrease the number of sites required, as multiple operators may share the same infrastructure to optimise costs.
Traffic offloading: With the expected increase in data traffic, operators may offload traffic to micro-sites, small cells, and Wi-Fi networks. This shift could reduce tower companies’ anticipated growth in macro site tenancies.
Regulatory challenges: Compliance with government regulations and navigating the bureaucratic landscape can pose significant hurdles for tower companies, affecting their operational efficiency and expansion plans.
Technological disruptions: The entry of new market players and alternative access technologies, such as MVNOs using Wi-Fi hotspots, can create competition for traditional telecom operators, potentially impacting the demand for tower infrastructure.
Do 5G towers harm humans?
The concern over whether 5G towers emit radiation and the potential harm they may cause to humans has been a topic of significant debate. Here’s a detailed overview of the issue:
1. Nature of radiation emitted by 5g towers
5G towers emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation, which is non-ionizing radiation. This means the radiation has insufficient energy to ionise atoms or molecules or remove tightly bound electrons. Non-ionizing radiation is less harmful than ionising radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays), which can cause cellular damage and increase cancer risk.
2. Regulatory standards and safety guidelines
Organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and various health agencies have established safety guidelines for exposure to RF radiation. These guidelines are based on extensive research designed to protect public health. According to these organisations, the radiation levels from 5G towers, when operating within regulatory limits, do not pose significant health risks.
3. Research findings
Numerous studies have investigated the potential health effects of RF radiation from mobile networks, including 5G. Key findings include:
- Short-term Exposure: Research generally indicates that short-term exposure to RF radiation at levels typically emitted by mobile towers is unlikely to cause harm.
- Long-term Effects: Some studies have raised concerns about long-term exposure, particularly regarding potential links to conditions like headaches, sleep disturbances, and in some cases, cancer. However, results have been inconclusive, and many experts argue that more research is needed.
4. Public perception and misinformation
Public concern about 5G towers and their radiation is often fueled by misinformation, anecdotal reports, and a lack of understanding of scientific studies. Many individuals worry about the technology without fully understanding the nature of the radiation or the extensive safety research conducted.
5. Precautionary measures
While current research does not conclusively indicate that 5G towers pose a health risk, some people advocate for preventive measures, such as:
- Maintaining Distance: Encouraging the placement of towers away from residential areas, schools, and hospitals.
- Increasing Transparency: Providing communities with information about the locations of towers and the radiation levels they emit.
- Promoting Further Research: Supporting ongoing research better to understand the long-term effects of 5G radiation.
FAQs
Mobile tower companies erect and maintain the towers that support antennas, enabling cellular network coverage. In India, these companies play a crucial role in expanding network coverage, enhancing connectivity, and supporting the growing demand for mobile services.
Mobile tower companies typically generate revenue through tower rentals and services provided to telecom operators. Telecom operators lease space on these towers to install their antennas and equipment. The tower companies charge rent to the operators in exchange for using their infrastructure.
Several prominent mobile tower companies in India include Aster, HFCL, Indus Towers, ITI, GTL Infrastructure, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL), Tower Vision India, Tata Teleservice, Tata Communications and Tejas Networks.
The success of mobile tower companies is often attributed to factors like efficient infrastructure deployment, strategic partnerships with telecom operators, technological innovation, adherence to industry regulations and a commitment to expanding network coverage to underserved areas.
Regular inspections, maintenance activities and compliance with safety regulations are key aspects of ensuring the quality and safety of their towers and related equipment.
Mobile tower companies contribute to bridging the digital divide by expanding network coverage to remote and underserved areas. Their infrastructure facilitates access to communication services in regions that previously had limited or no connectivity, thereby promoting digital inclusion and socioeconomic development What role do mobile tower companies play in India's telecom industry?
How do mobile tower companies generate revenue?
What are some of the prominent mobile tower companies in India?
What factors contribute to the success of these mobile tower companies?
How do mobile tower companies ensure the quality and safety of their infrastructure?
How do these companies contribute to bridging the digital divide in India?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
