Tejas Networks (NSE: TEJASNET) wins BharatNet deal—What it means for Indian-made telecom equipment

Tejas Networks Limited (NSE: TEJASNET, BSE: 540595), a Tata Group portfolio company, has emerged as the largest supplier of IP routing equipment for BharatNet Phase III, a marquee rural broadband initiative by the Government of India. On December 11, 2025, Tejas Networks Limited confirmed that it had been awarded contracts for seven out of twelve BharatNet Phase III packages announced to date, giving the Bengaluru-based technology manufacturer a decisive lead in one of the most closely watched digital infrastructure programs in the country. The selection is a significant validation of Tejas Networks Limited’s indigenous engineering capability and a major signal that India’s digital transformation is increasingly anchored by domestic hardware leaders.

BharatNet Phase III aims to bridge the longstanding digital divide between India’s urban and rural regions by establishing robust, scalable, and high-capacity middle-mile IP-MPLS networks to support the delivery of high-speed broadband to underserved villages. This phase targets a new level of ambition, combining technological innovation with a clear mandate to leverage Indian manufacturing and R&D strength. The rollout is set to touch 57,000 Gram Panchayats and 2,000 Blocks across nine Indian states and five Union Territories, with Tejas Networks Limited’s TJ1400 routers serving as the technical backbone. This project is regarded as a test of both the scalability of Indian telecom engineering and the sustainability of “Make in India” procurement policies in strategic sectors.

How does BharatNet Phase III redefine India’s digital infrastructure priorities and what role does Tejas Networks Limited play?

The BharatNet program, already recognized as the world’s largest rural broadband initiative, is in its most consequential phase yet. Phase III moves beyond legacy copper and hybrid solutions to deploy full-scale IP-MPLS networks that promise higher reliability, superior bandwidth management, and future-proof architecture. For Tejas Networks Limited, this phase is an opportunity to demonstrate the operational maturity and performance of its TJ1400 router series, which is being deployed in high-availability, mission-critical networks nationwide. The company’s routers, all designed and developed in-house, will be delivered across Bihar, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, as well as in five Union Territories. This comprehensive footprint will make Tejas Networks Limited not only the technical linchpin of BharatNet Phase III but also a key enabler of India’s rural digitization drive.

According to industry sources and market analysts, this project is set to be a proving ground for Indian telecom equipment manufacturers. With over 50,000 carrier-grade routers slated for deployment in BharatNet Phase III, Tejas Networks Limited will anchor the delivery of broadband access to some of the country’s most remote and historically underserved regions. The scale of this contract will also allow the company to showcase its R&D prowess and the robustness of its carrier-grade equipment, opening doors for future export opportunities and positioning the Tata Group telecom unit as a credible challenger to global networking giants.

What factors enabled Tejas Networks Limited to win the majority of BharatNet Phase III packages, and how are its partnerships shaping project execution?

Tejas Networks Limited’s achievement in securing seven out of twelve BharatNet Phase III packages is the result of a multi-year strategy that blends technical leadership with strong institutional relationships. The TJ1400 family of routers has already achieved widespread adoption in public and private networks, giving the company a track record of reliability in complex deployment scenarios. Market observers note that the proven performance of these routers, together with their compliance with global quality standards, played a significant role in the selection process for BharatNet Phase III.

The company’s partner ecosystem for BharatNet Phase III is notably broad. Tejas Networks Limited will be working alongside five major Project Implementation Agencies: NCC, Polycab, Invenia-STL Networks, GR Infraprojects, and ITI. This collaboration with both private and public sector PIAs underlines the company’s commitment to collaborative execution and its ability to align with multiple stakeholders. Tejas Networks Limited’s Chief Strategy and Business Officer, Sanjay Malik, emphasized that the company’s history of supporting BharatNet deployments in previous phases helped secure its position in the current phase, and highlighted the growing confidence of Indian institutions in homegrown telecom solutions.

Sunil Handoo, Vice President of Sales at Tejas Networks Limited, stated that the company’s continued support for its PIA partners has reinforced its reputation as a trusted contributor to India’s digital transformation. He added that Tejas Networks Limited is committed to working closely with these partners to rapidly upgrade the middle-mile networks that underpin BharatNet Phase III, thereby accelerating the delivery of high-speed connectivity to rural India.

How is the “Make in India” strategy advancing through BharatNet and what is the broader impact on the domestic telecom sector?

BharatNet Phase III is not just a procurement contract—it is a cornerstone of the “Make in India” strategy that aims to boost domestic R&D and manufacturing capacity in high-value sectors. Tejas Networks Limited, backed by Panatone Finvest Limited (a Tata Sons Private Limited subsidiary), represents a new generation of Indian OEMs whose products are engineered for export markets as well as domestic infrastructure. The company’s portfolio now covers over 75 countries, and the BharatNet contract is expected to strengthen its global profile even further.

Industry analysts believe that the prominence of Tejas Networks Limited in BharatNet Phase III sends a strong signal to investors and policymakers about the readiness of Indian firms to deliver at global standards. The Government of India’s preference for local OEMs in critical infrastructure sectors, as demonstrated in this award, is likely to encourage further investment in telecom hardware and related technology verticals. The BharatNet experience may well become a blueprint for indigenous sourcing in other strategic projects, such as smart cities, defense communications, and public utility modernization.

What is the current market sentiment on Tejas Networks Limited’s stock after the BharatNet announcement, and how might investor flows evolve in 2026?

Tejas Networks Limited’s shares have remained in focus for both retail and institutional investors, with attention turning to how the BharatNet Phase III contract will impact the company’s long-term financial profile. While the immediate share price response has been measured—reflecting a period of consolidation in the broader Indian technology sector—analysts expect that successful execution of this large contract could enhance order book visibility and earnings stability.

Investor sentiment remains constructive, especially among domestic institutional investors who have flagged the potential for operating leverage as Tejas Networks Limited scales up production for BharatNet. The inclusion of the Tata Group as the controlling shareholder is seen as a further vote of confidence in the company’s strategic direction and execution discipline. Analysts anticipate that any updates on timely execution, incremental package wins, or export contract announcements could act as positive catalysts for the stock in the coming quarters.

What are the risks, challenges, and competitive dynamics facing Tejas Networks Limited in the ongoing BharatNet rollout and beyond?

The execution of BharatNet Phase III is a massive logistical and operational undertaking. Tejas Networks Limited faces the challenge of meeting delivery timelines, ensuring seamless coordination with multiple PIAs, and integrating new systems with legacy infrastructure across diverse geographies. Any disruptions, supply chain delays, or interoperability issues could have a direct impact on project milestones and, by extension, financial performance. Furthermore, the competitive landscape in Indian telecom hardware remains intense. Tejas Networks Limited will need to defend its market share not just from other domestic OEMs, but also from multinational equipment vendors who may seek to re-enter the segment as the sector grows. Sustained investment in R&D, proactive customer support, and continued demonstration of on-time, high-quality delivery will be key to maintaining momentum.

Looking forward, analysts are watching whether Tejas Networks Limited can leverage its BharatNet success to win new contracts in adjacent sectors, including urban fiber rollouts, defense networks, and international export deals. The company’s performance on the BharatNet front line will likely set the tone for its competitive position in these future growth markets.

Is Tejas Networks Limited now the bellwether for India’s telecom manufacturing ambition and what is the outlook for the sector?

Industry sentiment is increasingly positioning Tejas Networks Limited as a bellwether for Indian telecom hardware manufacturing. The company’s success in BharatNet Phase III is expected to accelerate the trend toward indigenous technology adoption in public infrastructure. Investors, policymakers, and sector observers will be tracking the company’s progress closely, not only to gauge execution quality but also to assess the replicability of the BharatNet model across other strategic verticals.

For Tejas Networks Limited, the next twelve to eighteen months are critical. Consistent performance, transparent communication with stakeholders, and ongoing investment in product innovation will determine whether this BharatNet win becomes the foundation for a broader, more ambitious role in India’s digital transformation. As India advances its digital infrastructure, the industry will look to Tejas Networks Limited for cues on what is possible when domestic manufacturing and engineering talent is given the scale to perform.

What does the Tejas Networks Limited BharatNet Phase III win signal for India’s telecom sector and digital growth ambitions?

Tejas Networks Limited’s emergence as the largest IP routing equipment supplier for BharatNet Phase III is a clear signal of the rise of Indian technology manufacturing and the new expectations being placed on domestic OEMs. The project is a cornerstone in the “Make in India” movement and sets a high bar for future government-backed infrastructure initiatives. For investors, the story now shifts from contract wins to sustained execution, with Tejas Networks Limited’s performance set to influence procurement and investment decisions in the broader sector for years to come.

What are the key takeaways from Tejas Networks Limited’s BharatNet Phase III win?

• Tejas Networks Limited secured seven of the twelve BharatNet Phase III packages, making it the largest supplier of IP routing equipment for the nationwide program.

• More than 50,000 TJ1400 routers will be deployed across 57,000 Gram Panchayats and 2,000 Blocks, covering nine states and five Union Territories.

• The win strengthens India’s “Make in India” ambition by showcasing indigenous telecom hardware capable of meeting global quality and performance benchmarks.

• Collaboration with major Project Implementation Agencies such as NCC, Polycab, Invenia-STL Networks, GR Infraprojects and ITI demonstrates strong institutional trust in Tejas Networks Limited’s technology.

• Analysts believe the order enhances long-term visibility for the company’s order book and strengthens its competitive positioning within the Tata Group’s technology ecosystem.

• Execution quality, supply chain resilience and timely delivery will be crucial for maintaining momentum and unlocking further government and export opportunities.

• The development signals growing investor interest in Indian telecom equipment manufacturers as BharatNet emerges as a model for domestically-led digital infrastructure expansion.