The Indian government said yesterday that telecom equipment worth Rs 6,911 crore has been successfully exported by companies participating in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme as of May 31, 2023.

Launched on February 24, 2021, the PLI scheme aims to bolster domestic manufacturing of specific telecom and networking products, including 4G and 5G technologies, while encouraging design-led manufacturing within the country.

Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that companies operating under the PLI scheme achieved this export milestone by the end of May 2023.

Highlighting India’s advancements in the telecom sector, Chauhan mentioned that the country has successfully designed and developed its own 4G/5G technology stacks. These cutting-edge technologies are now being deployed in state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), showcasing India’s self-reliance in the telecommunications domain.

The Indian government, to transform the nation into a global manufacturing hub and foster research and development in the sector, has undertaken several initiatives. These include the PLI scheme, a telecom technology development fund scheme, and the digital communication innovation square (DCIS) as part of the champion services sector scheme.

Speaking about the progress of 5G services, Minister Chauhan disclosed that telecom operators have set up a total of 2,81,948 5G sites. Among them, Reliance Jio established the majority with 2,28,689 sites, followed by Bharti Airtel with 53,223 sites. Vodafone Idea also contributed to the 5G infrastructure by setting up 36 sites in Pune and Delhi, according to the Minister’s data.