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RRVPNL Unlocks Revenue from 17,000 km Fiber Network Through Strategic Partnership with Sterlite Electric

Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RRVPNL) has partnered with Sterlite Electric to commercially utilise its extensive Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) network, transforming surplus fiber capacity into a new revenue stream while strengthening Rajasthan's digital infrastructure. The initiative enables the state transmission utility to monetise existing assets without additional capital investment, supporting both the state's power transmission network and the growing demand for high-speed broadband connectivity.

The collaboration leverages RRVPNL's OPGW network—originally deployed for power system communication across transmission lines—to provide fiber connectivity for telecom operators, internet service providers (ISPs), enterprises, data centres, and other digital service providers. As India's digital economy expands through the rollout of 5G services, cloud computing, smart cities, and digital governance initiatives, the demand for robust fiber backbone infrastructure has increased significantly, making transmission utilities' spare fiber capacity a valuable national asset.

Under Sterlite Electric's Transaction Partner Model, the company manages the commercial aspects of the business, including customer acquisition, network marketing, contract management, billing, collections, service delivery, and customer lifecycle support. This allows RRVPNL to participate in the telecommunications infrastructure market without diverting resources from its core responsibility of operating and maintaining Rajasthan's electricity transmission network. The model also eliminates the need for the utility to build specialised commercial capabilities while ensuring efficient utilisation of its existing infrastructure.

The partnership extends beyond fiber leasing by strengthening the supporting digital ecosystem. Sterlite Electric has established colocation facilities and facilitated last-mile connectivity through innovative financing mechanisms, enabling telecom operators and ISPs to access scalable, reliable, and cost-effective network infrastructure. These enhancements improve the commercial attractiveness of the OPGW network and accelerate broadband expansion across urban and rural regions of the state.

According to the company, the network now spans approximately 17,000 kilometres of OPGW fiber, covering 50 districts and more than 300 towns across Rajasthan through nearly 35,000 transmission towers. Built on RRVPNL's high-voltage transmission infrastructure, it has evolved into one of the state's largest fiber backbone networks, delivering network availability close to 100 percent while supporting critical communication requirements for both the power sector and digital service providers.

The initiative demonstrates how utilities can maximise the value of existing infrastructure by repurposing underutilised assets. OPGW cables, which combine optical fiber communication with lightning protection for transmission lines, are increasingly being recognised as strategic infrastructure capable of supporting both grid operations and commercial telecommunications. By monetising spare fiber capacity, transmission utilities can generate sustainable non-tariff revenue while improving the utilisation of public infrastructure.

The partnership is also expected to reduce network deployment costs for telecom operators by providing access to an already-established statewide fiber backbone, thereby minimising the need for new right-of-way approvals and civil construction. Faster deployment of high-capacity fiber networks can support the expansion of 5G services, broadband connectivity, enterprise networks, smart grid applications, data centres, and digital public services, particularly in underserved regions.

As India accelerates investments in digital infrastructure under initiatives such as Digital India, expanding broadband access and strengthening fiber connectivity have become key national priorities. The RRVPNL–Sterlite Electric collaboration illustrates how power transmission utilities can play a significant role in this transformation by integrating energy and digital infrastructure, creating additional revenue opportunities while contributing to improved connectivity, digital inclusion, and long-term economic growth.

With utilities across India operating thousands of kilometres of OPGW networks, the Rajasthan model offers a scalable framework for monetising existing transmission assets, improving financial sustainability for state transmission companies, and supporting the country's rapidly growing digital communications ecosystem.