Sterlite Technologies (STL), a leading digital network integrator, has announced a significant milestone in its business operations. The company, in consortium with Dilip Buildcon Limited, has been awarded a major contract by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) for the BharatNet project in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Contract Details

The Advance Work Order (AWO) received by STL is valued at ₹2,631.14 crore (inclusive of GST). This substantial project comprises two main components:

• CAPEX (Capital Expenditure): ₹1,620.50 crore
• OPEX (Operational Expenditure): ₹1,010.63 crore

Project Scope

The contract entails the design, supply, construction, installation, upgradation, operation, and maintenance of the middle mile network of BharatNet in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Telecom Circles. This project is a crucial part of the Indian government's initiative to enhance digital connectivity across the nation, particularly in remote and challenging terrains.

Timeline and Execution

The project has been structured with specific timelines:

• Construction Phase: 3 years
• Maintenance Contract: 10 years
  • First 5 years: 5.5% per annum of CAPEX
  • Next 5 years: 6.5% per annum of CAPEX

Strategic Implications

This contract marks a significant achievement for Sterlite Technologies, showcasing its capabilities in handling large-scale, complex network projects. The company's involvement in the BharatNet project aligns with its strategic focus on digital network integration and contributes to the national goal of improving digital infrastructure.

Corporate Structure Note

STL has noted that its Global Services Business, which is involved in this project, is subject to demerger into STL Networks Limited. This demerger is part of a Scheme of Arrangement approved by the National Company Law Tribunal on February 14, 2025, pending the scheme becoming effective.

The award of this contract to Sterlite Technologies underscores the company's strong position in the telecom infrastructure sector and its potential for growth in government-led digital initiatives. As the project progresses, it is expected to significantly enhance the digital connectivity landscape in the strategically important regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), a leading optical and digital solutions company, has announced a strategic partnership with Wyre to support the development of an extensive multi-gigabit Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network in Belgium. This collaboration marks a significant step in STL's European expansion and showcases its commitment to delivering cutting-edge optical solutions for high-speed connectivity.

Partnership Details

The partnership, announced on March 26, 2025, will see STL supplying high-performance optical cables and advanced solutions to Wyre for their network infrastructure in Flanders and Brussels. STL's contribution includes:

• High-performance optical cables with high-fibre count and loose-tube designs
• Signature OptoBlaze and OptoBolt products
• Advanced solutions like 288F Closures

To ensure efficient and timely deliveries, STL has partnered with Wirewave, a distributor of high-quality fibre-optic cables and infrastructure.

Customized Solutions for Wyre's Needs

Recognizing Wyre's specific requirements, STL employed its agile design thinking approach to co-develop a bespoke solution. The result is a compact, connectorized, and highly flexible connectivity solution tailored to Wyre's needs for their FTTH network expansion.

Philip Cauwel, Head of Technology and Strategy at Wyre, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "STL's expertise and collaborative approach are important in helping us deploy fibre across Flanders and Brussels efficiently while keeping our impact on communities and the environment in mind."

STL's European Presence

With nearly two decades of experience in the region and a manufacturing base in Italy, STL is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for broadband rollouts and high-performance networks in Europe. This partnership with Wyre further solidifies STL's presence in the European market.

Rahul Puri, CEO of STL's Optical Networking Business, commented on the collaboration: "We are confident that our co-creation and co-innovation with Wyre will continue to thrive in the years ahead. By joining forces, we're able to deliver high-performance, future-ready networks that meet the ever-evolving demands of a digital-first world."

Impact on Digital Infrastructure

This partnership between STL and Wyre is expected to play a crucial role in expanding high-speed internet access across Flanders and Brussels. By leveraging STL's advanced optical solutions and Wyre's commitment to efficient network deployment, the collaboration aims to bring multi-gigabit connectivity to more homes and businesses in the region.

As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, partnerships like this one between STL and Wyre are becoming increasingly important in building the digital infrastructure necessary for future technological advancements and improved connectivity.