Wi-Fi router and modem maker Netgear is exploring partnerships with global contract manufacturers to launch India-made products. “We are in advanced stages and expect to roll out our ‘Make in India’ products within 2024,” said Marthesh Nagendra, Senior Director – Commercial, Netgear APAC. The company is currently evaluating multiple options with manufacturing partners who have facilities in India.
Many multinational companies are increasingly looking to manufacture in India, motivated by the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at diversifying supply chains. India recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 to establish the country as a global manufacturing hub.
Earlier this month, Netgear’s competitor, Cisco Systems, partnered with Flex to manufacture networking equipment in Chennai, targeting $1.3 billion in product shipments annually.
Netgear anticipates Wi-Fi 7 to make a significant impact as more smart devices require higher-speed connections. The company advocates for the de-licensing of the 6 GHz spectrum band for public Wi-Fi to alleviate congestion in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. “The additional 6 GHz support in Wi-Fi 7 will allow customers to seamlessly connect more devices at higher speeds,” Nagendra explained. However, debates continue between proponents of public Wi-Fi and licensed service providers over the unlicensed use of the 6 GHz airwaves.
Public Wi-Fi holds significant potential in densely populated countries as more users connect, creating new monetization opportunities.” India accounts for nearly 5% of the company’s global revenue, with around 20% coming from the public sector. The executive added that the telecom sector is poised for substantial growth once service providers introduce premium offerings, which will help increase the average revenue per user (ARPU).
