Sterlite Technologies Limited announced on January 22, 2026, the successful completion of Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) trials in collaboration with Colt Technology Services across London's metro optical network. This achievement represents a significant milestone in the real-world validation of MCF technology as a sustainable, high-capacity, cost-efficient backbone for next-generation networks supporting AI, cloud, and digital services.

Trial Implementation and Technical Specifications

The trials deployed STL's Multiverse™ Multi-Core 4-core Fibre technology, which packs four cores into the same cladding diameter as standard single-mode fibre while maintaining coating size at 250/200 micrometres. The implementation covered two distinct network segments within Colt's London Metro network between Colt Points of Presence (PoPs).

Comprehensive Testing and Performance Validation

The collaboration involved extensive testing protocols to validate the MCF technology's performance in real-world conditions. The comprehensive evaluation encompassed multiple technical parameters essential for optical network reliability and efficiency.

Key testing parameters included:

• Chromatic Dispersion (CD) measurements
• Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) analysis
• Crosstalk evaluation
• Throughput performance assessment
• Fault analysis capabilities
• Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing
• Loss measurements
• Optical Return Loss (ORL) analysis

All testing parameters delivered satisfactory results, confirming the technology's readiness for commercial deployment in demanding network environments.

Industry Leadership and Innovation

STL positions itself among the first companies globally to transition MCF technology from laboratory environments to real-world network deployments. The company has developed a complete ecosystem encompassing fibres, cables, and termination solutions for underground and duct network applications.

Buddy Bayer, Chief Operating Officer at Colt Technology Services, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: "As demand for network capacity surges, customers need more bandwidth without compromising security, performance, or sustainability. At Colt, we're pushing the boundaries of optical networking, and this pilot marks a breakthrough across Europe and the USA."

Dr. Badri Gomatam, CTO at STL, highlighted the collaborative innovation aspect: "Partnerships like these exemplify how collaborative innovation can accelerate the evolution of optical infrastructure. STL's Multiverse MCF portfolio is engineered to meet the high-density, ultra-low latency, and resilient connectivity demands of AI, hyperscale cloud, and next-generation digital ecosystems worldwide."

Technology Advantages and Market Positioning

The MCF technology demonstrates significant advantages in addressing growing bandwidth demands while maintaining infrastructure efficiency. STL's solution achieves ultra-high transmission capacity per fibre within the same diameter as conventional single-mode fibre, offering substantial space and cost efficiencies for network operators.

This successful trial validates MCF technology's potential to support the increasing connectivity requirements of AI applications, cloud services, and digital infrastructure without requiring proportional increases in physical infrastructure footprint. The technology's compatibility with existing network architectures while delivering enhanced capacity positions it as a strategic solution for network evolution.

Sterlite Technologies Limited announced significant board changes following a meeting held on January 14, 2026. The telecommunications infrastructure company's board approved director re-appointments and new appointments based on recommendations from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Board Appointments and Re-appointments

The board meeting, which commenced at 2:15 pm and concluded at 3:54 pm, resulted in key leadership decisions that will shape the company's governance structure.

Leadership Transition

The board also noted an upcoming leadership transition with Mr. S. Madhavan (DIN: 06451889) set to complete his tenure as Independent Director. He will cease to be an Independent Director with effect from close of business hours on January 19, 2026, upon completion of his term. The board acknowledged his valuable contributions and guidance during his association with the company.

Director Profiles

Mr. Bangalore Jayaram Arun brings extensive Silicon Valley entrepreneurial experience since 1992. He holds a B.E. in Computer Science (1986) and founded California Digital in 1992, building it into a Linux-based high performance computing leader. He co-founded Librato in 2004, scaling it to a USD 10.00 million revenue run rate before its acquisition by SolarWinds for approximately USD 50.00 million. In 2014, he served as CEO of July Systems, leading an OEM-focused pivot that culminated in acquisition by Cisco in 2018.

Mr. Sathia Jeeva Krishnan Chidambara is a Chartered Accountant and former Indian Revenue Service officer with over 39 years of professional experience in accounting, audit, taxation, and finance. He currently works as a self-employed professional, advising on mergers and acquisitions, complex taxation matters, and private wealth management. His previous senior positions include roles with Maersk, Ambuja Cement, Monsanto and EY India. He presently serves as Independent Director on the boards of Parry Agro Industries Limited and GIC Housing Finance Limited.

Regulatory Compliance

Both newly appointed directors are not related to any existing board members and are not debarred from holding director positions pursuant to any SEBI order or other authority. The appointments comply with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations and related circulars. The company has submitted the requisite details to both NSE and BSE as per regulatory requirements.