CEA recommends higher-capacity OPGW to support broadband expansion

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has advised the adoption of higher-capacity optical ground wire (OPGW) in upcoming power transmission projects to facilitate telecom service providers. 

The recommendation follows a collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Union Power Ministry.

CEA has proposed the use of 48-fibre (48F) OPGW, replacing the current standard of 24-fibre (24F) OPGW, in all future power transmission schemes. This recommendation has been communicated to the Central Transmission Utility (CTU), Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), state transmission utilities, and all transmission service providers, urging them to update their technical specifications accordingly for both TBCB and RTM schemes. Projects currently under bidding may also be revised to include this provision.

The initiative aims to enable telecom service providers to lease fibres on OPGW instead of leasing bandwidth, facilitating broadband expansion, particularly in rural and remote areas.  

The Department of Telecommunications formally requested the adoption of 48F OPGW on November 11, 2024, aligning with earlier directives to expand broadband through fibre leasing, especially in the North Eastern Region (NER).