Dr. Sushil Kumar Chaturvedi, Group CEO of Ascend Telecom, has also been named as Vice Chairman. Their appointments were announced at DIPA’s Annual General Meeting and signals new changes at the helm of the association after ex-CTO, Indus Towers, Manoj Kumar Singh replaced the outgoing TR Dua as Director-General in August. TR Dua served for 13 years with the association.
DIPA said these moves reflect on its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and its dedication to creating a robust, sustainable, and inclusive digital infrastructure for India.
Sah brings over three decades of experience in the telecom sector, with a strong track record in leadership, strategy, and innovation. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping India's telecom infrastructure landscape, contributing significantly to the nation's digital transformation journey. His expertise in tower infrastructure management and his vision for a digitally connected India have been instrumental in driving the expansion of 4G and 5G networks across the country.
Dr Chaturvedi has 37 years’ experience in the telecoms market. As India Telecom Service officer and Director of BSNL, he helped facilitate the introduction of cellular services and optical fibre connectivity and oversaw privatisation of the telecoms market in the country.
Commenting on his appointment and DIPA's future direction, Sah, new Chairman, said: "I am honoured to lead DIPA at this crucial juncture in India's digital journey. Our nation has already established itself as a global leader in 5G rollout and deployment, and we are now setting our sights on the 6G stack. The IP1 sector is well-established and fully prepared to enhance the rollout of 6G in India. We are committed to supporting the 'Make in India' initiative, ensuring that our digital infrastructure not only meets global standards but also contributes significantly to our nation's technological self-reliance and economic growth."
Dr. Chaturvedi, the new Vice Chairman, added: "India's telecom sector stands at the cusp of a transformative era. Our vision extends beyond traditional telecommunications, encompassing emerging technologies and cross-sector collaborations. We see immense potential in areas such as IoT, AI, and smart city initiatives. DIPA will play a pivotal role in fostering an ecosystem that not only supports these advancements but also ensures their benefits reach every corner of our nation, bridging the digital divide and propelling India towards a truly digital future."
