Can India become a net exporter of telecom technology? Examine the role of indigenous 5G/6G stacks and the challenges involved.

India has the world's second-largest telecom market, with 1,348.08 million subscribers in June 2026 [2], but it has long imported its network equipment. That is now changing. BSNL runs a home-grown 4G stack [3], and Jio Platforms has a proprietary end-to-end stack that it wants to sell abroad [1]. Net-exporter status is achievable, but only if India meets several conditions.

Role of indigenous 5G/6G stacks

• Proof of capability: BSNL's 4G stack combines a C-DOT core, a Tejas Networks radio network and TCS integration. It was built to end dependence on foreign vendors and is 5G-ready [3].
• Software-defined path to 6G: Jio says it can move to 6G through a software upgrade rather than new hardware [1]. If true, this cuts costs for buyers and makes the stack easier to export.
• New export model: Jio plans to work as a managed-services provider for foreign operators instead of selling hardware or licences [1]. That earns recurring service income.
• Tested in a price-sensitive market: 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) reached 12.94 million connections, about half of them rural [2]. A low-cost model proven in India suits operators in the Global South.
• Policy push: the Bharat 6G Vision (2023) and the Telecom PLI scheme support indigenous design and manufacturing.

Challenges

• Ambition, not yet results: Jio has not disclosed any foreign partner, contract or export revenue [1].
• Vendor lock-in: a proprietary private stack ties partner countries to one company. India's open, publicly owned DPI model does not have this problem.
• Thin domestic base: Jio (39.27%) and Airtel (37.96%) hold most mobile users [2]. With so few players, India has only a small base of firms building and buying stacks.
• Hardware dependence: chipsets and semiconductors are still largely imported, which reduces the net export gain.
• Coverage gaps at home: rural teledensity is 60.89% against 153.43% in cities [2]. These gaps weaken India's claim to have a proven model.

India's indigenous stacks show the capability exists, but exports so far are mostly plans. To become a net exporter, India should support open interfaces (O-RAN), build its stock of standard-essential patents through the Bharat 6G Alliance, extend PLI support to chips, and combine telecom exports with DPI diplomacy. With those steps, telecom can carry Atmanirbhar Bharat and SDG 9 from import substitution to export leadership.