Driving Fiber Monetization Through Transaction Partner Model

Transformed RVPNL’s underutilized fiber into a high-uptime, zero-CAPEX, revenue-generating asset through Sterlite’s end-to-end monetization and O&M partnership.

Challenge

Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (RVPNL) operates one of India’s largest state transmission networks, with an extensive Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) infrastructure spanning the entire state. Despite this vast network, RVPNL faced a major challenge: its OPGW fiber assets were underutilized even as demand for reliable connectivity surged. The utility needed a sustainable revenue model without taking on operational complexities like marketing, billing, and maintenance. Additionally, RVPNL had to guarantee high uptime and strict SLA compliance while avoiding additional capital expenditure.

Solution

Sterlite Electric partnered with RVPNL under the Transaction Partner Model to deliver the following:

Monetization of spare OPGW fiber through long-term IRU leases.
Sales & Marketing to attract leading Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and ISPs.
Billing & Collection Management via a secure escrow mechanism.
Network Operations & Maintenance at zero cost to RVPNL.
Infrastructure Augmentation by setting up colocation facilities and last-mile connectivity under the DBFOT model.

This approach allowed RVPNL to unlock the commercial potential of its fiber assets without operational burden.

Impact

The partnership transformed RVPNL’s passive fiber assets into a high-performing revenue stream. Key outcomes included:

Enhanced Network Scale: 17,300 km OPGW network spanning 50 districts, 300 towns, and 34,768 transmission towers.
High Performance: >99.5% network uptime with SLA-backed compliance.
Revenue Assurance: Fixed annual revenue plus variable revenue share for RVPNL.
Asset Value Boost: Creation of additional infrastructure like colocation facilities and last-mile fiber connectivity.
Digital Enablement: Supported telecom operators and ISPs in delivering high-speed services across Rajasthan.

At a Glance

Problem	Solution	Present
Underutilized OPGW fiber assets	Monetization through IRU leases	Fiber converted into a revenue stream
Need for sustainable revenue without operational burden	Sterlite Electric manages sales, billing, and O&M	Zero O&M cost for RVPNL
Requirement for guaranteed uptime and SLA compliance	>99.5% uptime with penalty-backed SLAs	Reliable connectivity
No additional CAPEX for infrastructure	DBFOT model for colocation and last-mile	No additional CAPEX required

The RVPNL–Sterlite Electric partnership is a strong example of how practical PPP models can bring new value out of existing infrastructure. Through the Transaction Partner Model, RVPNL has been able to grow its revenue, reduce operational effort, and support India’s Digital Mission by helping expand broadband connectivity across Rajasthan.