Rollout of 4G & 5G networks has significantly increased power density at telecom sites

The rollout of 4G and 5G networks has significantly increased power density at telecom sites. “Operators now face the dual challenge of meeting high uptime demands while managing energy costs and infrastructure scalability,” says Pankaj Singh, head of datacentre and telecom business solutions at Delta Electronics in an exclusive interaction with Bizz Buzz.

With the increasing demands of 4G and 5G networks, what are the most pressing challenges telecom operators face in managing power infrastructure efficiently?

The rollout of 4G and 5G networks has significantly increased power density at telecom sites. Operators now face the dual challenge of meeting high uptime demands while managing energy costs and infrastructure scalability. Legacy power systems often lack the efficiency and intelligence needed to support dense network deployments. At Delta, we’ve observed that telecom players require modular, high-efficiency power systems with intelligent control and remote management capabilities. These technologies enable operators to optimize energy consumption, ensure availability, and support the dynamic requirements of next-generation networks.

Telecom connectivity in rural and remote areas is still a challenge. How do you see the role of hybrid energy solutions in bridging this connectivity gap?

Hybrid energy solutions are crucial for rural telecom expansion. In areas where the grid is unreliable or absent, Delta’s hybrid systems—integrating solar, lithium-ion batteries, and high-efficiency rectifiers—ensure consistent, off-grid power supply. These solutions not only reduce diesel dependency and emissions but also support 24/7 connectivity. By enabling cost-effective and sustainable operations in remote locations, hybrid power systems are helping bridge the digital divide and support the government’s rural connectivity and Digital India initiatives.

How is real-time monitoring and remote management transforming the way telecom infrastructure is maintained and operated today?

The shift towards digital O&M has revolutionized telecom infrastructure management. Delta’s remote monitoring platforms provide real-time insights into power system health, battery performance, and energy consumption. Operators can track performance, predict failures, and take preemptive actions—reducing site visits and operational costs. This not only enhances uptime but also supports better SLA compliance and lifecycle management of critical power equipment.

Telecom infrastructure must now serve multiple functions—from traditional cell towers to enabling smart city systems and surveillance. How is the power ecosystem adapting to this diversification?

Today’s telecom infrastructure is evolving into multi-service hubs—supporting IoT nodes, surveillance, Wi-Fi hotspots, and even edge computing. This calls for flexible, scalable, and intelligent power systems. Delta’s modular DC and AC power solutions are designed to adapt to diverse loads, integrate seamlessly with smart city applications, and offer real-time energy optimization. This adaptability is critical for future-proofing infrastructure and managing varying power demands without overloading the system.

Given India’s environmental and climatic diversity, what design or operational considerations are most critical when deploying telecom power systems in outdoor or rugged conditions?

Deploying telecom power solutions in India requires resilience to varied environmental conditions—from coastal humidity to desert heat. Delta’s outdoor systems are IP-rated, corrosion-resistant, and built for wide temperature ranges. Features such as passive cooling, dust filtration, and robust thermal management ensure long-term reliability in harsh conditions. Our designs are tested to perform optimally in high-heat zones like Rajasthan and monsoon-prone regions like the Northeast.

With data consumption on the rise, how should telecom power systems evolve to stay future-ready while balancing efficiency and cost?

As data traffic increases, telecom operators must scale their infrastructure without proportional increases in energy costs. Delta’s approach involves deploying modular power systems with >98% energy efficiency, smart energy management, and scalable configurations. These systems allow operators to expand capacity on demand while minimizing operational overhead, making them ideal for high-density, data-heavy environments like metro cities and tier-1 towns.

How do you see the telecom power sector aligning with India's broader digital transformation goals, especially with respect to sustainability and energy efficiency?

Power infrastructure is the backbone of India’s digital transformation. Sustainable telecom power solutions directly support national goals like Digital India and Net Zero by 2070. At Delta, we’re committed to enabling green, reliable, and intelligent power systems. Our hybrid energy solutions, efficient rectifiers, and energy management systems help telecom operators meet rising connectivity demands while reducing their carbon footprint—creating a win-win for business and the environment.

What are some key lessons from Delta’s experience in global markets that can be applied to the Indian telecom sector?

Delta has deployed over 1 million telecom power systems globally, across markets like Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Key takeaways include the importance of modular design, energy-efficient components, and remote management. For India, these translate into faster rollouts, reduced field maintenance, and scalable infrastructure suited to the country’s growth trajectory. Our global best practices help Indian operators adopt future-ready power models with minimized downtime and cost.

Delta’s modular DC & AC telecom power solutions are known for high efficiency and scalability. Could you share how these features are impacting operational performance for telecom players?

Our modular solutions provide telecom operators with flexible configurations that scale with network demand. With hot-swappable rectifiers, load balancing, and intelligent cooling, these systems ensure maximum uptime and energy optimization. Operators benefit from reduced maintenance costs, simplified site expansions, and faster deployment. This agility is especially critical in urban deployments and fast-growing regions where infrastructure needs to scale quickly without service interruption.

Delta is a strong advocate of energy-efficient technologies with solutions delivering up to 98% power efficiency. What sets these innovations apart in the industry?

Our leadership in power efficiency is built on decades of R&D and advanced component design. Delta’s rectifiers and power modules utilize technology, advanced thermal design, and AI-based energy control to deliver up to 98% efficiency. What sets us apart is our ability to integrate these technologies into a complete ecosystem—combining power conversion, storage, monitoring, and predictive maintenance. This not only reduces OPEX but also supports long-term sustainability goals for telecom operators.

EoM.