"Neutral networks will anchor 5G, satcom and 6G growth"

Salil Ahuja, Chief Strategy Officer at Shaurrya Teleservices, oversees strategy at one of India's emerging neutral digital infrastructure providers and among the early TRAI-empanelled Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs). With connectivity quality, fragmented in-building networks, private 5G readiness, satcom convergence, and AI-driven infrastructure becoming central to India's digital ecosystem, he is shaping how buildings, enterprises, and operators prepare for the next wave of digital services.

- SALIL AHUJA Chief Strategy Officer, Shaurrya Teleservices

In an interaction with Pratima Harigunani, he explains how neutral digital infrastructure, connectivity ratings, and AI-ready networks can influence quality of service, accelerate digital transformation, and strengthen India's readiness for 5G, satcom, and future 6G environments. Excerpts:

What defines a digital infrastructure provider today? How is 'neutrality' established and maintained in this model?

We define a Digital Infrastructure Provider as an enabler of the digital ecosystem; a company that builds and manages the foundational connectivity layers that power digital transformation. Rather than simply selling bandwidth, we provide a shared, scalable infrastructure that allows multiple operators, enterprises, and technology platforms to build and deliver their own digital services seamlessly. In that sense, we are the landlords of the digital world, providing the underlying infrastructure that fuels innovation and growth.

‘Neutrality’ is at the core of this model. It means our infrastructure is accessible to all operators and service providers on equal and non-discriminatory terms. This neutrality is upheld through transparent access policies, open frameworks, and robust governance mechanisms that ensure fairness, foster competition, and promote interoperability, all while driving efficiency and innovation across the ecosystem.

What structural changes will TRAI-empanelled DCRAs bring to India’s connectivity and telecom ecosystem?