MC EXCLUSIVE Tejas wants to take 4G-5G stack global, eyes new deals with private telcos at home

Sanjay Malik, Tejas

Tejas Networks, the Tata Group-owned telecom gear maker that developed India's 4G and 5G stack, plans to take the technology global by leveraging its network in over 70 countries and government-to-government partnerships, chief strategy and business officer Sanjay Malik has said.

Leading the rollout of state-owned BSNL's 4G network, the company plans to expand to private telecom operators at home and abroad even as it eyes its first international mobile network deals in 2026.

“Our objective is to make Tejas a global player, not just in fixed broadband but also in mobile technology,” Malik told Moneycontrol. “We already have a footprint in around 75 countries on the fixed-line and broadband side. Now, with the 4G-5G stack, the ambition is to go global on the mobility front as well.”

The 4G/5G stack, spanning radio access, transport, and core network components, has been developed via a consortium led by TCS and C-DoT, with Tejas Networks contributing the radio units. The system is being validated at scale as part of the BSNL rollout.

Recently, Tejas unveiled its industry-leading 64TR high-capacity 5G radio, featuring 360W of power output and optimised for lower operating costs through reduced weight, volume, and energy consumption.

Leveraging G2G and private routes

Tejas plans a two-pronged approach to global expansion. While its sales organisation and international partners will play a key role in marketing the stack, the company also expects G2G engagements — backed by India’s diplomatic and technology outreach — to help secure large-scale global deployments.

“We will definitely use our own setup and partners in these countries,” the executive said. “But for major international opportunities, government-to-government arrangements will help us win business. We are already in discussions with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on several such initiatives.”

India has been positioning its indigenous telecom stack as a viable alternative for developing nations seeking affordable and secure solutions.

The 4G and 5G tech is attracting global interest, especially from countries with strong bilateral ties, sources said.

Rising traction from Indian private telcos

Tejas, which has for long supplied optical and broadband gear to Indian operators, is also seeing renewed interest from private players exploring home-grown alternatives to multinational vendors.

“Private operators are increasingly confident about the 4G-5G stack that Tejas and TCS have built,” Malik said. “They have tested it and are satisfied with the results. Engagements have begun, and we expect them to translate into commercial opportunities soon.”

While BSNL remains the anchor customer — with more than 97,000 4G sites under deployment — Tejas expects 2026 to mark a turning point as private telcos start adopting its solutions.

Next frontier: 5G Advanced and 6G

Tejas is already investing in 5G Advanced and early-stage 6G research. The company is involved in standardisation and patent activity, having filed nearly 600 patents the previous year. It is collaborating with global bodies to shape the next generation of network technologies.

One of its research areas is Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) — or “smart surfaces” — that reflect signals into coverage blind spots without additional base stations, improving network performance at lower cost.

“Our focus now is to maximise 5G investments through software-driven upgrades that enhance speed, capacity, and latency without hardware changes,” the executive explained. “At the same time, we are contributing to 6G standardisation and defining the technology roadmap for future networks.”

Tejas is also strengthening its manufacturing ecosystem by sourcing more components domestically, in line with India’s goal of boosting telecom value addition.

It is expanding partnerships with local suppliers and working with the Tata Group’s broader supply chain to reduce imports.

This local sourcing push aligns with India’s electronics and telecom manufacturing drive under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the government’s push for design-led manufacturing.