Through a series of strategic initiatives and international collaborations, Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) has been actively advancing India’s position in the global telecom sector. These initiatives and agreements driven by TEPC are highly relevant to the Indian MSMEs. This apropos is in the context to enhance the role of the telecommunication sector, both domestically and Internationally. The occurrence of 10th edition India-Africa ICT Expo(April 6-7, 2025) and the Bharat Telecom (May 6-7,2025) at Cairo, Egypt and New Delhi respectively, determines India’s vision of becoming a digital powerhouse.
Formed in 2009 under the ambit of Foreign Trade Policy of government of India, Tpec aims to promote and develop export of telecom Equipment and Services. It prioritizes creating policies by providing suggestions and inputs from various stakeholders. AAdditionally, TEPC not only help committees to focus on how to increase trade in particular regions but also assist members to form consortiums for bidding and qualifying certain traders.
TEPC in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunication witnessed an enthusiastic international participation in Bharat Telecom 2025 with 130 foreign delegates from over 30 countries representing government bodies, private enterprises, etc. ‘Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint’ held on May 9th, 2024 at IIIT Bangalore was a similar event focused on bringing together MSMEs, academia and research institutions. This novel initiative of the Department of Telecommunication calls for a collaboration to engage in deep-tech for rapid ideation and innovative solutions towards developing a comprehensive 5G solution and further advancement to 6G.
The lucrative vision of India’s telecom growth and global ambitions demands a strategic and symbiotic relationship between TEPC and Indian MSMSEs.
As revealed in the Defence Sector ICT Conclave, 80% of the 5G equipment is currently produced domestically, indicating opportunities for MSMEs in components, software and sub-systems. Aim of the working groups formed after in-depth and extensive discussions during Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint to boost export strategies in 5G/6G, satellite communication and network infrastructure comprises private enterprises, including MSMEs, smaller manufacturers and service providers.
Events like Bharat Telecom 2025 and the India-Africa ICT Expo brings the innovation and network of Indian MSMEs to the fore. Suchh exhibitions present a platform for the local players to showcase domestic capability with international buyers, investors and governments. Cumulatively this presents a possibility for the smaller players to gain credibility and visibility in the alien market.
With TEPC targeting 100 billion USD in telecom exports by 2047 and emerging markets in Africa, ASEAN and Eastern Europe presents a massive opportunity for the MSMEs to tap into the exports market. Large Indian telecom firms exporting internationally requires Tier II and Tier III suppliers, here MSMEs can fill in with a further room for collaboration with international companies intending joint ventures in India to leverage favourable policies and skilled labour.
TEPC’s aspiration to excel in Optical Fibre, broadband infrastructure, satellite communication, AI-driven Networks and more, opens up areas where agile MSMEs can innovate. Production Linked Incentives and Credit Guarantee Scheme of the government also offers operational and financial support to MSMEs helping them in expanding globally.
Striving for a Digitally Empowered India
Although few MSMEs have scaled up their exports and supplies, many still operate dominantly in domestic markets. This is due to subjection to confined global exposure, funding constraints and lack of compliance knowledge. However, we can see a growing number are making strides in software, embedded systems, and low-cost hardware solutions, positioning themselves as viable options in both public and private telecom projects. But still we have significant hurdles, difficulty in accessing global supply chains, need for digital skills, R&D investment and lack of international certificates persist.
To achieve self-reliance in telecom manufacturing TEPC needs to be a key enabler in integrating the Indian MSME’s as they are the backbone of the supply chain and innovative action. TEPC needs to play an essential role to address these gaps by promoting MSMEs at international stage and encouraging global collaborations and contributing to their development in the global telecom arena. Announcement of a new semiconductor facility near Jewar Airport will also be consequential in achieving TEPC’s objective of growing telecom export and making India a innovation hub.