Telecom gear maker Prose Technologies is reportedly in advanced discussions with Vodafone Idea (Vi) to finalise a deal for mobile antenna supplies, with shipments expected to commence by the end of this month or early next, according to a PTI report. Vodafone Idea has awarded a Rs 30,000 crore network expansion contract to Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to enhance its 4G and 5G infrastructure over the next three years.
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Final Stages of Deal with Vodafone Idea
According to the report, Arshad Fakhri, President of Prose Technologies India, highlighted the deal at the recently concluded India Mobile Congress 2024. The deal, which is being finalised product by product, will primarily involve mobile antennas manufactured locally at Prose's Pune facility.
The company expects the current 4G expansion by all three operators—Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea—followed by 5G, to drive its growth in the country.
Growth Projections and Revenue Goals
Fakhri expressed optimism about the company's growth prospects, projecting a 10-12 percent year-on-year growth over the next three years, with an expected revenue of USD 80 million (Rs 670 crore) in the current financial year.
"We are in the final stages of discussions with Vodafone Idea and we expect to close the deal at the earliest. The shipments have to start by the end of this month or early next month," the report quoted Fakhri as saying.
Fakhri noted that the next generation of telecom networks will be dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, which are fueling demand for green antennas, the report added.
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Green Antennas Driving Telecom Innovation
The company is also pushing for the adoption of green technologies, introducing its Protreem antennas that operate at 85 percent efficiency, compared to 65 percent for legacy models.
These antennas are gaining traction in Europe, where they are sold at a 25 percent premium. Fakhri expects the growing demand for green antennas, supported by Indian telecom operators, to contribute to revenue in the next 6-12 months, according to the report.
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Protreem Antennas Gain Traction in Europe
"The demand for green antennas is high in Western countries, especially Europe. They are being sold at a 25 percent premium compared to traditional antennas. We expect that volumes in Europe will bring economies of scale to the product, lowering the price of green antennas to a level that suits the cost economics of Indian telecom operators," Fakhri said, the report added.
