Indus Towers - VMC Enabled Fibre Network and Smart Poles Provide Enhanced Connectivity During COVID-19 Times

• CCTV feeds powered by the fibre-based network of smart poles is helping VMC identify violations of social distancing norms

• Variable Messaging Displays are being used to efficiently and simultaneously display critical information about COVID-19 across multiple locations in the city

• About 100% surge in the data consumption on the Wi-Fi network; 40% increase around hospitals

The network of intelligent poles installed by Indus Towers in partnership with Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in 2018 under Government's Smart City Mission has been playing a vital role in keeping people safe, informed and connected during the ongoing COVID-19 situation. The fibre network and smart poles is helping VMC create awareness about COVID-19 by disseminating important information 24X7 on a real-time basis through the Variable Messaging Displays across the city. The smart poles with integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has also been capturing data from all major applications as well as feed from various cameras installed across the city are continuously monitoring the implementation of COVID-19-related activities and adherence to the restrictions.

During the period of March to May, there has been about 100% surge in the data consumption through the Wi-Fi network. There has also been an increase of 40% in the number of people using Wi-Fi around hospitals indicating the crucial support the network is providing to citizens and healthcare professionals.

A senior official from VMC, as part of the smart city mission said, "In the battle against the novel coronavirus, fibre network and smart poles are working as an important link for efficient dissemination of information and service to the citizens of Vadodara. During the lockdown, Vadodara recorded a 40% hike in the usage of Wi-Fi, especially in residential and specific areas next to the hospitals and VMC offices indicating that the network helped people and healthcare workers stay connected. We have also integrated My Vadodara app with the VMC portal to provide access to a dedicated section on vital information related to COVID-19."

Nishith Dave, Circle CEO, Gujarat, Indus Towers said, "Telecom infrastructure has been playing a crucial role in ensuring people remain connected and have access to internet enabled services. We are proud that our infrastructure and technology delivered on the promise of transforming the lives of citizens in Vadodara by harnessing the power of smart technology, especially during this challenging time. The multiple application of intelligent poles is a testament to our capability and experience to execute such infrastructure projects."

Indus Towers has always enabled connectivity in India, in the face of calamitous natural disasters and adversity. At present, the field employees of Indus Towers are enabling seamless 24x7 connectivity for smooth functioning of the essential services as well as the digital operation that are dependent on the company's infrastructure. The field personnel of Indus Towers have equipped themselves with the necessary safety gear and working round the clock, even in designated hotspot regions. They have ensured continuous functioning of the mobile tower, which is most critical when it comes to enabling seamless connectivity.

About Indus Towers Limited

Indus Towers Limited is an independently managed company offering passive telecom infrastructure to all telecom operators. Indus is headquartered in the National Capital Region. Founded in 2007, Indus Towers Limited has been promoted under a joint venture amongst (i) Bharti Infratel Limited (group company of Bharti Airtel Limited, rendering telecom services in India under the brand name Airtel), (ii) Vodafone India Limited (group company of Vodafone Group-UK) rendering telecom services in India under the brand name Vodafone, since merged with Idea Cellular Limited and (iii) Aditya Birla Telecom Limited (group company of Idea Cellular Limited, now re-named as Vodafone Idea Limited) which created history by collaborating to share telecom towers & infrastructure.

Indus has presence in 15 telecom circles of India and has achieved over 2,41,663 tenancies till date. With the current count of over 1,29,697 towers, Indus has the widest coverage in India and is one of the largest telecom tower companies in the world.

Indus Towers has been actively involved in developing scalable models for smart cities. The company's approach is to enable the integration of the digital infrastructure with the existing infrastructure. Recently, Indus Towers collaborated with Dehradun Smart City Limited (DSCL) as part of its efforts to make Dehradun a smart city.

Indus' vision of "Transforming Lives by Enabling Communication" is setting a new paradigm for a networked economy, on a world leading scale, whereby there is inclusive and impactful growth for all.

For any further information, please visit the website www.industowers.com.