Pioneering Fiber Monetization Through PPP Model

Challenge 

Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. (MSETCL) operates one of India’s largest transmission networks with 51,518 circuit kilometers of lines. However, only a fraction of this network was equipped with Optical Ground Wire (OPGW), leaving significant fiber capacity untapped. To monetize these assets and build a robust telecom backbone, MSETCL needed a cost-effective, scalable model that ensured high uptime and minimal operational burden on the utility. 

Solution 

Sterlite Electric partnered with MSETCL under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, forming MTCIL in May 2012 under the Build-Own-Operate-Maintain (BOOM) framework. Sterlite Electric took responsibility for: 

• Converting 5,300 km of earth wire into OPGW fiber under the joint venture. 

• Reserving 4 fiber pairs for MSETCL’s internal use. 

• Providing free operations and maintenance for 20 years. 

• Monetizing spare fiber through long-term IRU leases to telecom operators and ISPs. 

This approach allowed MSETCL to unlock the commercial potential of its fiber assets without additional CAPEX or operational complexity. 

Impact 

The partnership transformed Maharashtra’s transmission network into a high-performing telecom backbone. Key outcomes included: 

• Network Scale: 5,300 km OPGW across 29 districts, 208 towns (including 9 major cities), and 60 colocation sites. 

• Performance: Near 100% uptime, high-quality fiber with minimal attenuation and almost zero cuts. 

• Customer Base: Top telecom operators and ISPs, including marquee names. 

• Utilization: ~65% network utilization in 6 years, far exceeding industry benchmarks. 

At a Glance 

 MTCIL has emerged as one of India’s most successful initiatives in OPGW monetization. Through the PPP model, MSETCL has secured steady revenue, eased its operational workload, and built a robust telecom backbone that supports the country’s growing broadband needs.