NEC India has emerged as a digital transformation partner to India over the course of the last 70 years. Can you share insights into the journey of NEC India during this period?
Reflecting on our global journey, as NEC Corporation, a 125-year-old Japanese conglomerate, we have earned our place as a global pioneer in delivering extensive ICT-driven social infrastructure solutions. From satellites to submarines, we provide comprehensive technology support across sectors to both public and private enterprises. In India, our journey began during the early years of independence with the pioneering implementation of the 2Ghz Microwave Communication System at the National Physics Research Centre in Ahmedabad in 1956. Since then, our relentless pursuit has always been to bring state-of-the-art technology to India, offering the pinnacle of quality through Japanese solutions.
Our interventions have not just adapted but transformed to mirror the dynamic needs of our nation and its citizens, in our quest to orchestrate better lives for all. The journey, which initially started with telecommunications, further expanded into various sectors, including public safety, logistics, smart transportation, retail, finance, IT, and now, the cutting-edge frontier of GenAI.
Our groundbreaking solutions have played a vital role in several nation-building initiatives, ranging from building the biometric system for Aadhaar to creating the digital foundation of several smart city projects to the most recent implementation of the DigiYatra initiative at 4 airports.
A proud milestone in our journey has been the timely completion of Chennai & Andaman and Nicobar Islands (CANI) and the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Cable (KLI) projects, aimed at bringing the remote islands closer to the mainland digitally and fostering a greater sense of inclusion.
These complex digital infrastructure projects hold profound significance for our nation, not just in bridging the connectivity gap between island citizens and the mainland but also in propelling our collective development and digitization aspirations forward. As an organization that strives to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities, we take immense pride in our solutions and our workforce that executes it. Steering NEC India to support the country’s goal from becoming Atmanirbhar Bharat to Viksit Bharat, by leveraging the might of Japanese technology, is a deeply fulfilling responsibility for me.
The completion of the KLI Submarine Mission holds significant importance for the Government of India and BSNL. Given the complex nature of this project, how did NEC contribute to this mission?
NEC Corporation has rich experience in deploying more than 350,000 km of submarine Optical Fiber cable systems globally. Furthermore, as NEC India, we have strived to build India’s digital foundation and bring the transformative power of technology to every corner of our diverse nation.
In this era of hyperconnectivity, it's unimaginable for anyone to not have internet access. However, our fellow citizens in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and more recently, Lakshadweep Islands lived without any network, devoid of the basic necessity of a contemporary internet connection. As an Indian, driven by a fervor for technology, I strongly sense the effects of the digital divide that many of our people have been enduring for years. It has always fueled our passion to bridge these gaps and bring the transformative power of technology to every corner of our diverse nation.
Our foray into the end-to-end implementation of the nation's submarine initiatives took off in 2020 with the completion of the Chennai-Andaman Nicobar Island submarine cable network. The success of this project paved the way for renewed trust, as we were once again entrusted by BSNL in September 2021 to execute the Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Cable mission. Beyond mere cables and connections, this venture signifies a shared commitment of all of us to undertake tasks that are mission-critical to the country’s growth and prosperity.
Every stride in this journey, from the initial marine route surveys to the installation of submarine cables and the construction of CLS ensuring connectivity, to the vigilant management of the Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of End Terminals (SLTE), NEC Corporation and NEC India have been the driving force behind the project from start to finish. The mission's distinctive feature lies in its resilience, being 100% more robust to effectively address the anticipated surge in future demands for enhanced internet speed. In essence, the successful completion of this mission cements our leadership in shaping the nation’s digital landscape with an outlook for tomorrow.
In what ways do you anticipate these submarine cable projects will create substantial societal and economic impact for the regions?
Growing at a robust rate due to economic reforms in key sectors like digitization and infrastructure, India has emerged as an outlier and is projected to contribute more than 16 per cent of the global growth as per the International Monetary Fund. Seamless internet connectivity for the delivery of digitally-driven services is crucial in this regard. Submarine cables providing connectivity and access to data, therefore, play an instrumental role in propelling the digital economy forward. Their importance in meeting India's expanding global connectivity needs is anticipated to become even more pronounced in the coming years, nurturing connectivity both within India and on the world stage.
In perfect harmony with the national goals of 'Digital India' and the 'National Broadband Mission,' the KLI submarine cable mission extends beyond mere infrastructure development. Its impact is evident in providing high-speed internet connectivity for over 64,000 people in Lakshadweep. Particularly, the project is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of diverse e-governance initiatives by the Government of India, elevating the education ecosystem, fortifying health infrastructure, providing an enhanced gateway for commerce, and supporting industries on a larger scale.
Given the pristine beauty of the islands, we also believe that it will become a catalyst for tourism in the region. Enthusiastic travelers, drawn by the allure of tranquility and unexplored areas, will not only contribute to the local economy but also ensure cultural exchange, ecotourism initiatives, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
What are the main factors that have contributed to NEC's effective management of its mission and the timely delivery of complex turnkey cable systems, particularly in challenging environments?
Our company values are rooted in a collective purpose of empowering lives and building a better tomorrow and this reflects in every endeavor we undertake. Implementing submarine cables in the ocean's depths is undoubtedly a herculean task. From navigating the intricacies of laying the cable securely to overcoming the harsh environmental conditions of high pressure, low temperatures, and corrosive saltwater, every aspect demands a strategic and experienced approach. Among all this, we are equally conscious of preserving marine life and addressing security concerns adds layers of complexity to the already daunting task. But our extensive industry experience, coupled with our goal to come up with the most effective solutions, has made us experienced in this domain.
The KLI Submarine cable mission is a perfect example of managing such complex projects. In the face of extreme weather conditions in the Indian Ocean, our team's adaptability and resilience shines through meticulous planning and comprehensive risk assessments. I firmly believe our success surpasses mere accomplishments; it thrives on transparent communication, stakeholder unity, and accelerated problem-solving, ensuring the mission’s timelines, as demonstrated by both the CANI and KLI Submarine cable network systems.
What are your expectations for the industry in 2024? Beyond submarine networks, which technologies do you anticipate will shape India in the year 2024?
"Driven by our vision of "In India – For India, From India – For Global," backed by tech and best-in-class talent, we envision ourselves contributing to building empowered societies during India's journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047."
Looking at 2024 particularly, I believe that the strategic use of technology across all levels is set to play a crucial role in strengthening access, expanding connectivity, and supporting inclusivity for businesses and society at large. A standout trend in the tech landscape would be the ongoing progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These advancements are not just going to redefine how industries operate, elevating the decision-making capabilities of businesses but improving overall efficiency and augmenting the skills of existing talent. I'm particularly intrigued by the work on Generative AI (GenAI), which presents significant opportunities to reshape the tech landscape. It's more than just a technological shift; it has the potential to enhance productivity across various domains. I feel sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, supply chain etc. stand to benefit the most from AI.
Additionally, the growing influence of blockchain technology is expected to bring transformative changes, especially in sectors like finance, supply chain, and cybersecurity. The promise of revolutionizing computational capabilities through quantum computing and solving complex problems is exciting.
Agriculture has served as the foundation of our nation's growth, and it's now in need of a transformative revolution. Given our agrarian identity, it is imperative to equip farmers with agri-tech. It will advance sustainable practices and fulfil our vision of using technology for comprehensive sector empowerment, elevating crop yield and efficiency to drive India forward.
On another note, sustainability-focused technologies aligned with global efforts for a greener future are gaining prominence. As we navigate this evolving landscape, agility becomes paramount. Embracing these technological shifts isn't just a choice; it's essential to unlock new opportunities, promote innovation, and contribute to India's global growth.
Ashutosh Zutshi
Senior Vice President & Head- Submarine Business, NEC India
“We take great pride in the successful and timely completion of our projects connecting Kochi to Lakshadweep and Chennai to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which have played a pivotal role in enabling broadband internet connectivity for the islands. These projects are in alignment with the Digital India Mission, unlocking opportunities for e-governance and digital empowerment throughout the regions. We would like to thank USOF (DOT), and BSNL, and appreciate the cooperation extended by the Island Administrations during the implementation of these projects. Their unwavering support was instrumental in enabling us to complete the project ahead of schedule."
