Some companies are born out of opportunity, while others emerge from moments of uncertainty. The establishment of Commtel was never the result of a carefully crafted business strategy. In 1998, an Australian multinational cable company decided to withdraw its operations from India, affecting its entire Indian team, including Shriprakash R Pandey.
Faced with an uncertain future, he chose not to accept the circumstances as they were. Instead, driven by a desire to create opportunities for his colleagues and himself, he brought the team together to build something of their own. This initiative led to the establishment of Commtel Dedicated Network Solutions (India) Private Limited in 1998. Over the years, the company evolved into a specialised provider of Integrated Telecommunications, Security and Safety (iTSS) solutions for critical national infrastructure facilities and converted into a public limited company in July 2025.
Today, critical national infrastructure (CNI) – including the energy sector (oil and gas and power), transportation networks and defence – forms the foundation of economic growth and national well-being. The company secured its first overseas services project in 1999 and has since completed over 600 projects across 19 countries, serving more than 400 customers as of 31 March 2025.
The global iTSS market is estimated at approximately $19,702.7 million in FY25 and is projected to reach $29,544.2 million by FY30, growing at a CAGR of 8.4 per cent. The Indian iTSS market is expected to outpace global growth, with a CAGR of 10.9 per cent, supported by initiatives such as Digital India, the Smart Cities Mission and increased infrastructure investment.
Telecommunications infrastructure remains the largest segment of the market, while security and surveillance solutions continue to witness rapid growth. The emergence of Industry 5.0, increasing cyber threats and the convergence of physical and digital security have further accelerated demand for integrated infrastructure solutions.
Integrated telecommunications, security and safety (iTSS) systems are essential for industries where uninterrupted operations and the protection of physical and cyber assets are fundamental to national security and economic stability.
Commtel Networks is one of India’s leading iTSS vendors with global coverage, specialising in converged telecommunications, security and surveillance, and safety systems integration, primarily for the critical national infrastructure sector.
“Commtel’s 3C model – Conceptualise, Construct and Care – is a comprehensive customer engagement framework that ensures our core design competencies are translated into effective solutions. During the Conceptualise phase, the company designs scalable and reliable system architectures. The Construct phase integrates multiple technologies and vendors into a unified solution, while the Care phase provides comprehensive lifecycle support,” says SR Pandey, CMD, Commtel Networks.
The company integrates 44 distinct technology systems within the iTSS framework, including fibre-optic communication networks, surveillance systems, industrial communication systems and AI-based video analytics. This end-to-end approach enables customers to work with a single partner while reducing operational complexity.
Project execution
Domain expertise in handling the design complexities of iTSS systems for CNI facilities remains one of Commtel’s major strengths. Its 47,675 sq ft Commtel Convergence Centre in Navi Mumbai serves as the central hub for integration, warehousing and support operations in India. The company also operates an integration facility in Sharjah, UAE, along with offices in Noida, Abu Dhabi and Houston.
Commtel’s 3C model – Conceptualise, Construct and Care – is a comprehensive customer engagement framework that ensures our core design competencies are translated into effective solutions
Commtel’s engineering methodology is guided by the principles of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS), establishing clear project scope and technical deliverables. The company follows a dual-track growth strategy tailored to different geographical markets. Within India, it primarily engages directly with end-user customers through competitive bidding. Internationally, it works mainly with engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors through negotiated contracts during project execution. This dual-track approach maximises market opportunities and often leads to direct relationships with facility owners and operators once projects are completed.
Long-term customer engagement represents an important growth driver and a core strategy for expanding market share. Beyond initial turnkey project execution, the company offers a comprehensive range of engineering services, including maintenance, upgrades and intelligent lifecycle management. These services, which ensure sustained system performance for up to 20 years, generate recurring revenue opportunities and position the company for future expansion projects. Commtel’s ‘Care’ model focuses specifically on providing this ongoing lifecycle support, eliminating inter-vendor coordination challenges for customers.
This strategy has enabled Commtel to build long-standing customer relationships and generate repeat business across multiple geographies. Its deep understanding of customer systems allows it to provide customised solutions and secure a larger share of ongoing business.
Client segments
Oil and gas remains Commtel’s largest business segment, contributing the majority of its revenue. The company has developed expertise in delivering reliable communication and safety systems for this sector, where operational continuity and regulatory compliance are critical.
Its portfolio includes projects such as a refinery in Kuwait, Mexico’s first floating LNG facility, a gas-processing facility in Turkmenistan, and infrastructure projects in India, including highway tunnels and transmission utilities.
In addition to oil and gas, the company also serves the power sector. While FY25 revenue remained concentrated in oil and gas and power, Commtel intends to leverage its iTSS capabilities to diversify into other CNI sectors, including transportation and adjacent critical infrastructure, subject to market opportunities and execution risks.
Commtel has demonstrated strong financial growth in recent years. Revenue increased from Rs412.26 crore in FY23 to Rs639.25 crore in FY25. EBITDA reached Rs134.55 crore, while profit after tax stood at Rs113.56 crore in FY25. The company’s order backlog stood at Rs457.41 crore as of 31 March 2025, subject to the risks relating to the order backlog disclosed in its DRHP.
Although the project-based nature of the business makes it working-capital-intensive, consistent profitability, healthy margins and a return on net worth of 27.51 per cent in FY25 demonstrate financial discipline and operational efficiency.
Commtel’s leadership combines industry experience with a focus on governance and innovation. The company continues to invest in research, talent development and technology capabilities. Its proprietary solutions, including NetRRA360 for AI-based analytics and CRIMPS for pipeline monitoring, reflect its commitment to innovation.
India aims to become a developed nation by 2047. Rapid urbanisation is expected to drive demand for modern, resilient and connected cities. These urban centres will require seamless connectivity, digital communications infrastructure, robust security and world-class safety systems. The rise of integrated command-and-control centres will play a vital role in managing utilities, security and mobility, directly driving demand for iTSS systems and solutions. With its specialised expertise, global execution capabilities and focus on technology-led solutions, “Commtel is well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. By expanding into adjacent sectors and strengthening customer relationships, the company aims to focus on opportunities that align with our strategic intent and enhance our competitive positioning in critical infrastructure operations,” sums up Pandey.