"I will be responsible for accelerating the next chapter of Ciena’s growth in India"

"Ciena has hired me as Chairman and President of Ciena India in a newly established role. My role focuses on accelerating our overall advancement in India across our business with customers and partners, building relationships with government and industry associations, and fostering a sense of community"

In a chat with VARINDIA, Rajesh Nambiar, Chairman and President, Ciena India he discusses about his recent appointment, vision and future plans and the growth opportunities he sees in India market 

Newly appointed in the position of Chairman and President of Ciena, Rajesh Nambiar will focus on the company’s growth in India and strengthening relationship with customers, partners, government and industry associations.      

“Ciena has hired me as Chairman and President of Ciena India in a newly established role. My role focuses on accelerating our overall advancement in India across our business with customers and partners, building relationships with government and industry associations, and fostering a sense of community,” says Rajesh. 

Growth opportunities in India
In India the demand for broadband will continue to grow as it is driven by affordable smartphones, drop in broadband tariffs and also increasing consumption of mobile data. Further, the expansion of 4G into rural areas will rope in more subscribers and increased consumption. Ciena sees immense opportunities in the country.     

“Demand for wireless mobile broadband will continue to be a growth driver for us in India. Wireless broadband subscribers more than doubled in two years, from 200 million in 2016 to 493 million in 2018, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. Driven by a rise in affordable smartphones and drop in broadband tariffs, the consumption of mobile data is rapidly increasing. 

The expansion of 4G into rural areas across India is also a driving more subscribers and data consumption. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, the monthly data consumption per smartphone in India will reach 15GB by 2024. Further pushing the demand for broadband is video content as users flock to WhatsApp and YouTube to consume entertainment. 

Network operators are also taking steps to employ advanced software to help make their networks more adaptable. To keep up with today’s dynamic, on-demand services, network operators are using automation software to modernize their IT and network operations in order to facilitate digital transformation. 

In the newly established role as Chairman and President of Ciena India, I will be responsible for accelerating the next chapter of Ciena’s growth in India,” explains Rajesh.