Nokia's Strategic Expansion in India's IPTV and Broadband Market: A Dual Lens on Growth and ESG Alignment

India's telecom sector is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by surging demand for high-speed broadband, on-demand video, and digital education. At the forefront of this transformation is Nokia, which has positioned itself as a key enabler of India's next-generation infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technology, Nokia is not only addressing the immediate needs of Indian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) but also embedding sustainability at the core of its operations. For investors, this dual focus on growth and ESG alignment presents a compelling case for long-term value creation in emerging markets.

Strategic Expansion: Building the Digital Backbone of Northern India

Nokia's collaboration with Netplus, one of India's fastest-growing ISPs, exemplifies its targeted approach to market expansion. In 2025, the company deployed advanced 400G routing technology and a software-defined access network (SDAN) platform to scale high-speed broadband and IPTV services across northern India, particularly in Punjab and other urban centers. This infrastructure supports nearly two million users, offering energy-efficient, scalable solutions tailored to the region's evolving demands for online gaming, e-commerce, and digital classrooms.

The deployment integrates Nokia's 7250 Interconnect Routers (IXR) for broadband aggregation, 7750 Service Routers (SR) for BNG functionality, and Lightspan Optical Line Terminals (OLT) for FTTH services. These components form a converged architecture that reduces operating costs while ensuring reliability. A standout innovation is the Altiplano Access Controller, which automates network diagnostics and orchestration, accelerating service rollout and enhancing user experience. By transitioning subscribers from linear TV to on-demand IPTV, Nokia is unlocking new revenue streams for Netplus while future-proofing its infrastructure.

ESG Alignment: Green 5G and Carbon-Neutral Ambitions

Nokia's sustainability initiatives in India are equally transformative. The company's “Green 5G” collaboration with Bharti Airtel, launched in October 2024, is a flagship example. By leveraging AI/ML algorithms and the ReefShark System-on-Chip, the project reduces Airtel's annual carbon emissions by an estimated 143,413 metric tons of CO2. Key strategies include zero-traffic, zero-watt operations, which cut power consumption during low-traffic periods, and digital design tools that optimize cell configurations without compromising performance.

Nokia's broader ESG strategy aligns with its global net-zero target of 2040. In India, this includes deploying solar-powered systems at 25,000 Airtel sites and supporting renewable energy adoption at data centers. The company also partners with organizations like Bal Raksha Bharat and the Digital Empowerment Foundation to drive community development through CSR programs. These efforts are not just ethical but economically prudent: energy-efficient networks reduce operational costs, while ESG-aligned projects attract capital from sustainability-focused investors.

Investment Thesis: Growth and ESG as Twin Drivers

For investors, Nokia's India strategy offers a rare convergence of market potential and sustainability. The Indian broadband market, projected to grow at a CAGR of 15% through 2025, is being reshaped by Nokia's scalable, energy-efficient solutions. Meanwhile, the company's ESG metrics—such as its 143,413 metric ton CO2 reduction with Airtel—position it as a leader in decarbonizing telecom infrastructure.

Nokia's partnerships with Netplus and Airtel also highlight its ability to adapt to local needs while maintaining global standards. The integration of AI/ML and automation into network management ensures long-term scalability, addressing both performance and cost challenges. For ESG-conscious investors, Nokia's alignment with India's digital transformation goals and its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 further strengthen its appeal.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Investors and the Planet

Nokia's strategic expansion in India's IPTV and broadband market is more than a commercial play—it's a blueprint for sustainable infrastructure development. By combining technological innovation with ESG-driven practices, the company is addressing the dual imperatives of growth and environmental stewardship. For investors, this positions Nokia as a resilient long-term bet in a sector poised for exponential growth. As India's digital highways expand, Nokia's role as a builder of both connectivity and sustainability will likely yield robust returns while contributing to a greener, more inclusive future.