In September 2021, the well-respected Indian Tower and Infrastructure Provider Association (TAIPA) rebranded to the Digital Infrastructure Provider Association (DIPA). In this interview with Director General, Mr Tilak Raj Dua, we share the story on why this rebrand was necessary, and the new scope of the organisation in light of the fresh challenges and opportunities available in India.
TowerXchange: Can you explain the reason why TAIPA has changed its name to the DIPA? What does this rebrand represent?
Mr Tilak Raj Dua, Director General, DIPA:
In the last 5 years, the telecom industry has witnessed a rapid transformation. We’ve seen a rapid evolution from an industry dominated by voice to data begin the primary driver of demand.
We’ve simultaneously witnessed a technological evolution that is both requiring and facilitating innovation, and flexibility across the ecosystem.
This has been a massive change for the industry, and our organisation has demanded constant support from the State and Central government for a smooth transition for infrastructure providers and operators.
As the world is becoming increasingly dependent on telecom companies to provide data services, there has been a growth of the digital economy and an information society has developed.
Digital infrastructure and services have emerged as key enablers and critical determinants in this shift, and as we are on the verge of 5G, AI capabilities, IoT, and augmented and virtual reality unlocking more and more solutions, the way we interact with technology in our daily lives is about to completely change.
In India, the National Digital Communication Policy 2018 (NDCP 2018) has focused on helping to create a roadmap for these emerging technologies.
As the rollout of these new technologies is being deliberated in India and around the world, it’s clear that 5G is going to be one of the key drivers for future growth.
To be in the best position to support this technological revolution and solve the new challenges their adoption will create, telecom
infrastructure providers are compelled to redesign their business models.
To keep pace with the changing need of the industry, and to continue to demand change in the right areas we felt the need to rebrand from TAIPA to DIPA.
Infrastructure providers are now trying to identify various other business opportunities where they can utilize their existing infrastructure and assets in other areas adjacent to telecoms. This includes data centres, edge computing, electric vehicle charging, IoT and many more.
Currently in India, infrastructure providers are only allowed to provide passive infrastructure like towers, dark fiber, right of way and duct space, but various other business opportunities are likely to open up with the enhancement of scope outlined in NDCP 2018.
This means we saw an urgent and compelling need to reposition and rebrand TAIPA to align with future industry requirements and the scope of our members so we can cater to the requirements of digital communication infrastructure solution providers serving the needs of the entire ecosystem telecom providers.
We are also making efforts to bring on-board various organisations and companies as DIPA members who serve in the field of energy management, network equipment manufacturers and providers, tower and OFC manufacturers, suppliers of shelters and other ancillary units and organizations involved in the manufacturing and deployment of telecom infrastructure. More such organizations are likely to join DIPA as member due to ongoing efforts.
The name DIPA reflects a new identity and intention to cater to and support the growing and evolving telecom infrastructure sector beyond a traditional towerco.
TowerXchange: Can you tell us about your roles and responsibilities as the Director General of DIPA?
Mr Tilak Raj Dua, Director General, DIPA:
My role is to represent and disseminate the views of digital infrastructure providers within various Government, regulatory statutory bodies, industry associations and other similar bodies/forums. I also act as a facilitator in the opposite direction, by examining government policy and informing our members about how it will impact their operations.
I advocate and promote open market and pro-competition policies to promote sustainable investment among the digital infrastructure providers and engage in scientific and educational activities which lead to healthy growth of the telecom infrastructure services in the country.
Of course I can’t do all of this alone! I also work with our Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and other executive council members of the association to make decisions and actions that are in the overall interests of the Telecom industry.
Together, we propose strategies and initiatives that help our members achieve their strategic goals.
TowerXchange: How have you been able to work with policy makers and the industry to drive development of the sector?
Mr Tilak Raj Dua, Director General, DIPA:
Infrastructure providers play a significant role in making affordable telecom services available in India. Over the years, the telecom tower industry in India has emerged as a trendsetter in the infrastructure sharing and we’ve been proud to be a part of this.
In the coming years as well, infrastructure providers will play a prominent role in the growth of Digital Economy, Industry 4.0, and in the successful implementation of government program such as Digital India, Made in India, Start-up India and various smart cities.
We’ve been key in shaping the legislation that has regulated this industry.
Robust telecom infrastructure laid by infrastructure providers in India has played a very key role and stood up to many challenges in the past two years with the onslaught of cyclones, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telecom Networks have been the lifeline for continuation of at least 30-35% of economic activity during lockdowns. On a humanitarian level it has also kept individuals and societies connected and informed, with access to medical, education, financial, commercial, and other essential services during lockdown.
Healthcare workers and doctors, law enforcement agencies, essential services and government authorities were able to effectively fulfil their roles due to the voice, data and video connectivity enabled by telecommunication networks.
All of this have been possible only due to the critical and robust digital infrastructure that has been laid by the telecom Infrastructure Providers in the country.
DIPA, with the continuous support of its members and the government has achieved various key milestones that have allowed the industry to develop to this point. We had long been pursuing a liberalisation of Foreign Direct Investment Rules with the Indian government that would see it increase from 49% to 100%. In October 2021, this was announced, which will unlock new capital and new opportunities for infrastructure companies.
We also played a key role in the establishment of the Indian Telegraph RoW Rules, which came into effect in 2016. These are unique and transformational rules that should be followed across the country by all states. Following our efforts to encourage adoption, 31 of the 36 states in India now subscribe to the rules, which makes operating country-wide far easier for our members.
We were also involved in the development of a web-based single window online portal with the help of in-house expertise at DIPA. So far, we have helped 17 states so far for development of online facility for submission and approval of RoW permissions for laying telecom infrastructure.
DIPA is also actively engaged with the Indian government and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in a consultation process for the formulation and implementation of strategies aiming at ‘Universal Coverage’ and ‘Broadband for All’. Some of the engagements include the work we’ve been doing on NDCP 2018, a reduction of taxes and levies, and closer collaboration between central, state and local government. We are also working on the crreation of a National Fibre Authority for mapping and integrating all
telecom infrastructure assets in the country.
Further not only above policy matters, DIPA has also been closely working with Central as well as State Government to extend various operational support to our members especially during COVID-19 lockdowns and natural disasters. We were able to negotiate lockdown exceptions where required to maintain the normal functioning of telecom services, and secured the availability of Diesel orders.
We also helped to speed up permits for upgrades and maintenance that were required in the wake of natural disasters, and new sites required to meet surging data demands.
TowerXchange: As you’ve rightly said, 5G rollouts will be essential to creating Digital India. How are Digital Infrastructure Providers supporting this?
Mr Tilak Raj Dua, Director General, DIPA:
There are a lot of ways they are playing their role. Due to their expertise in the neutral host, and shared infrastructure model, infrastructure providers are the best choice for deployment of fiberized small cells that will be abundantly utilised for coverage in the 5G era. They can also facilitate public Wifi and are a natural fit for IBS solutions as well.
When it comes to looking at the applications of 5G, Infrastructure providers are well positioned to create and maintain the infrastructure for smart cities and their experience of installing smart poles & fibre needs to be leveraged.
For roll out of networks using 5G technology, small cells, aerial fibre and the use of street furniture are essential. Street furniture like lampposts and taller structures will be useful for installing small cells that can help mobile network operators expand their coverage.
Do you want to learn more about DIPA or the Indian Digital Infrastructure industry? Mr Dua is helping to lead a roundtable on Private Networks at Meetup Asia 2021 – register here to secure your place and join the conversation. National towercos Indus Towers, Summit Digitel, American Tower and Ascend Telecom Infrastructure are all joining as speakers, and there is a dedicated India roundtable that is open for all delegates to join.
