Locally Made, Globally Wired—Cisco’s Homegrown Routers Power BharatNet’s Big Leap

Image Source: IndiaMART

In a major boost to India’s digital infrastructure, Cisco Systems has begun deploying locally designed and manufactured routers under the ambitious BharatNet Phase III initiative. The move aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in telecom hardware and aims to connect over 650,000 villages with high-speed internet by March 2027.

What Cisco Is Deploying

Cisco is supplying IP-MPLS routers built at its Chennai facility, developed in partnership with Flex.
These routers meet the government’s mandate of 50% local value addition, supporting both domestic deployment and global exports.
The equipment is designed for ring topology fiber networks, enabling low-latency, high-speed connectivity in rural areas.

About BharatNet Phase III

Fully funded by Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), formerly the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
Focuses on last-mile connectivity via Wi-Fi hotspots, 4G base stations, and future-ready 5G integration.
Implemented by BSNL, divided into 16 packages, with Cisco winning a significant share of bids.

Strategic Impact

Cisco’s routers now account for 70% of BharatNet deployments, making it a key player in India’s digital backbone.
The initiative supports telemedicine, e-governance, online education, and smart village development.
Cisco’s India-made gear is also being exported globally, reinforcing India’s role as a strategic tech manufacturing hub.

Leadership Commentary

“The technology we are deploying in BharatNet is also the product that's being manufactured in India for the world,” said Daisy Chittilapilly, President (India & SAARC), Cisco. “It’s a huge responsibility—this is the biggest access program in the country from a technology point of view,” she added.

Sources: ET Telecom, IndianWeb2, VARINDIA, BharatNet, Machine Maker