Polnet upgrade: Adani arm, Nelco, Hughes, BEL in race

Polnet upgrade will enhance communication in remote, border and insurgency-prone areas, using portable VSATs

- Jatin Grover

India's satellite-based police communication network, or Polnet, is set for an upgrade, and some of the country's biggest tech and defence players have spotted an opportunity.

Tata Group's Nelco, Adani's subsidiary Alpha Design Technologies, Hughes, Cisco and Bharat Electronics are among the firms eyeing contracts to supply new satellite terminals worth about ₹100-200 crore for the network, two government officials and industry executives in the know said on the condition of anonymity.

Polnet, a vital, secure communication system like Internet for police and security forces, was launched in 2002. It connects police stations and security forces, including the ones guarding borders or handling emergencies, called the Central Armed Police Forces, all over India through messages, calls, and videos.