Less Wire Is Not No Wire

The fundamentals haven’t changed yet — a well-considered mix of mobile, wireline and satellite technologies still forms the core of a robust connectivity strategy.

Data connectivity needs of enterprises can be varied, and often, fairly complex. The advent of digital technologies like cloud has added new dimensions to those connectivity needs. While the next-generation high-speed mobile networks are able to address these needs relatively better than the legacy mobile networks could, they are still faced with inherent limitations. Wireline network infrastructures are a must-have in the portfolios of potential service providers.

Major Players

The key telcos focused on the enterprise connectivity segment are Bharti Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Communications, Tata Communications and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). They offer a mix of broadband and enterprise connectivity services. These range from DSL, metro Ethernet and cable modem-based internet access services as well as leased lines, MPLS VPNs and Ethernet-based enterprise data services. VoIP services in closed user groups are also being offered by various telcos and internet service providers. Most of these players also offer a wide range of third-party data center services and have also been working to strengthen their cloud service portfolios.

IT service providers, ISPs and pure-play data center service providers like Sify, Wipro and Netmagic also compete with the telcos in various sub-segments of enterprise data services. Then, there are the likes of AT&T, BT Global Services, Verizon, Orange Business Services and NTT Communications, which have been present in the Indian market in a significant way.