Ericsson Expands Telecom Manufacturing in India: What It Means for 5G and Make in India

Ericsson is doubling down on its India operations. By June 2025, the telecom giant will manufacture all antennas for the Indian market locally. This move is not just about scaling hardware production—it’s a significant boost to India’s “Make in India” mission and 5G rollout plans. In this blog, we’ll explore what Ericsson’s expansion means for the telecom sector, local jobs, and India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.

Why Ericsson Is Scaling Production in India

• 5G Demand Is Rising: With telecom majors like Jio and Airtel aggressively rolling out 5G, India’s need for telecom infrastructure is exploding.

• Local Partnerships: Ericsson is working with VVDN Technologies in Gurugram to support this initiative.

• Export Goals: After meeting domestic needs, Ericsson plans to export antennas manufactured in India to other markets.

What This Means for India’s Economy

Accelerated 5G Infrastructure

Faster manufacturing means quicker deployment of towers and antennas, improving connectivity across urban and rural areas.

Boost to Local Manufacturing

This aligns with India’s goal to become a global electronics manufacturing hub under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

More Jobs & Skill Development

Partnerships with Indian companies open up new job opportunities and promote high-tech skill growth in hardware and electronics sectors.

Challenges to Watch For

• Supply Chain Pressure: Component availability and raw material costs may impact scale.

• Global Competition: As Ericsson expands in India, it must compete with local OEMs and Chinese manufacturers.

• Sustainability: Meeting global standards on energy efficiency and green manufacturing will be essential.

Conclusion

Ericsson’s move is a strong endorsement of India’s potential as a manufacturing and innovation center for telecom technology. As the world shifts to 5G and beyond, India isn’t just a user—it’s becoming a builder.