India presents vast opportunities for private 5G implementation, with significant investments in smart manufacturing: Verizon

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Jophy Varghese, APAC Head, SI & Country Manager, India Enterprise at Verizon

DQ: Elaborate on the enterprise 5G trends worldwide including Asia/India.

Jophy Varghese: As per a recent study, from now to 2030, 5G adoption in APAC will rise nearly six-fold to 41%. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, particularly in advanced countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, the adoption of private 5G has been pronounced. This trend is reflective of the higher levels of digitalization observed across both public and private sectors in these nations.

In addition, there is a noticeable increase in private 5G activity in other APAC countries, such as India, with the introduction of Industry 4.0, and the growing readiness and maturity of the technology ecosystem. Government initiatives in spectrum allocation, regulatory reforms, and incentivizing the telecom companies to invest in 5G networks will play a vital role.

Telecom operators, system integrators, technology vendors and other stakeholders are forming partnerships and collaborations to accelerate the deployment of Enterprise 5G in many countries. The availability of new 5G spectrum in these countries, as well as the virtualization of network solutions, are key drivers of the growing interest in private 5G. In the coming years, the industry will see the emergence of 5G Advanced and an increase in the number of monetizable 5G use cases and increased 5G investments in mid-band and mmWave bands.

The vision for fast, secure, reliable, and low-latency networks is crucial for enabling innovative solutions across multiple sectors. However, to realize this vision, efficient spectrum management and an enabling environment for the deployment of private networks are essential. The development of robust use cases is equally crucial for the thriving ecosystem of private 5G in the APAC region.

DQ: What is the role of system integrators (SIs) in the enterprise 5G space?

Jophy Varghese: Since enterprises are reassessing their connectivity needs and evolving their network requirements, private LTE/5G networks have become the most common choice for ensuring lower latency, greater security, and greater reliability while supporting a wider variety of use cases more effectively. The combination of multiple factors has substantially enhanced the outlook for organizations seeking to deploy private wireless networks in a more streamlined and economical fashion.

System integrators (SIs) play a pivotal role in helping enterprises adopt 5G technology by providing a range of services, including conceptualizing, strategizing, planning, implementing and operations of the 5G Networks. They have the expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of 5G technology and ensure that enterprises are getting the most out of their investments.

Some key imperatives include assessing business needs, evaluating technical feasibility, and developing a strategic roadmap for 5G implementation. They design and architect customized 5G solutions tailored to specific enterprise requirements and handle the physical deployment of 5G infrastructure, integrating the new network with existing Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems.

DQ: What are the key priorities for Indian enterprises and avenues to unlock the true value of 5G?

Jophy Varghese: India has witnessed a rapid deployment of 5G over the past year, marking one of the fastest rollouts globally. However, despite this significant progress, there exists a notable gap in the widespread adoption of private captive networks by enterprises. This shortfall underscores a crucial aspect of 5G implementation that demands attention. To unlock the true value of 5G for Indian enterprises, a fundamental shift in focus towards fostering the adoption of private captive networks is imperative.

A robust and extensive network infrastructure is required to support 5G's high-speed, low-latency capabilities. Enterprises need to develop a comprehensive 5G strategy that clearly defines the business use cases for 5G, the required infrastructure and investments.

Collaboration with technology partners, telecom providers, and industry experts will provide the necessary expertise, resources, and support to navigate the complexities of 5G deployment and operation. Enterprises must work with their telecom providers to secure the necessary spectrum to support their 5G initiatives.

By focusing on these key priorities, Indian enterprises can unlock the true value of 5G which enables businesses to provide personalized and immersive customer experiences through AR, VR, and real-time data analytics. They can also streamline operations by enabling real-time data collection and expand into new markets.

DQ: What is Verizon Business Group’s views on private 5G network adoption in India, and its role in digital transformation?

Jophy Varghese: Verizon has one of the largest installed bases for private 5G applications and use case development, that contributes to our unparalleled expertise in this domain. Private 5G holds the key to unlocking unprecedented levels of connectivity, security, and innovation, driving India's economic growth and societal advancement. There's a great opportunity for the Indian marketplace to really accelerate and leapfrog to the front of the pack.

India presents vast opportunities for private 5G implementation, given its extensive manufacturing base, and significant investments in smart manufacturing. There is potential for network and managed service providers like Verizon, as well as application and device manufacturers, to be part of this technological ecosystem.

Collaboration of diverse stakeholders, including system integrators, government entities, and enterprises, is crucial for the successful implementation of private 5G networks in India. This collaborative approach forms a robust ecosystem that can address the multifaceted challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by private 5G adoption.

We see a future fuelled by digital transformation, connectivity, and changing customer expectations. Private 5G will be a catalyst for India's digital transformation, unlocking a new era of connectivity, innovation, and economic prosperity.

DQ: How important is the APAC/India from the growth perspective?

Jophy Varghese: APAC region is a critical driver of global growth. Within this dynamic region, India stands out as a key growth engine, powered by a rapidly expanding tech and telecom sector and a strong commitment to digital transformation. Over the years, this market has proven to be a significant contributor to our overall business expansion. With a presence in India for close to two decades, we have witnessed substantial growth and consider it a key market within the APAC landscape.

In particular, the demand for our services in the APAC region, including India, reflects the dynamic nature of the market and the evolving needs of businesses. The region's increasing reliance on advanced technologies, coupled with the growing emphasis on digital transformation, aligns well with Verizon's suite of offerings, including managed network and security services

Verizon has strategic partnerships with large APAC System Integrators. System integrators in Asia play a crucial role in helping businesses worldwide in adapting new technologies as they undergo digital transformation. This involves implementing solutions related to cloud migration, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, IoT and enterprise 5G, and investing significantly in R&D, innovation labs, and emerging technologies.

Verizon has curated industry-specific solutions that allow SIs to address the unique and complex challenges of various sectors, such as healthcare, retail, finance, manufacturing, and has partnered with key SIs to build innovation labs to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Verizon’s partnerships help them access our cutting-edge technologies and also expand our service offerings, making them more attractive to global clients looking for comprehensive solutions.

DQ: What are Verizon’s Business offerings and services that are in-demand for the Indian/APAC market?

Jophy Varghese: The Indian/APAC market is characterized by rapid growth, diverse economies, and increasing adoption of technology. Verizon Business Group has been operating in India for close to 20 years now and this market has proved to be one of the most significant markets for us in the APAC region. We offer a suite of managed network and security services together with advanced communications.

We have witnessed significant growth in two technology domains that are reshaping the landscape of business operations. Firstly, there is a remarkable surge in network transformation or network-as-a-service, primarily driven by the migration to cloud infrastructure and the need for seamless remote access. Organizations are actively reevaluating their corporate network architecture to ensure it is cloud-ready, secure, and adaptable to hybrid networking. At Verizon, we are deeply involved in supporting large-scale network transformation projects for global companies, including those in India.

Secondly, the demand for cybersecurity solutions in the APAC region is on a rise, including India. We have witnessed significant growth in two pivotal technology domains that are reshaping the landscape of business operations. In this regard, Verizon has been collaborating with numerous companies in the region to overhaul their cybersecurity architecture and effectively safeguard their critical assets.

Verizon Business is continuously investing in expanding its network infrastructure, developing innovative solutions, and enhancing its service offerings to meet the ever-growing demands of the Indian/APAC market.