Sterlite Technologies Limited (formerly Sterlite Tech) is an Indian optical and digital technology company, headquartered in Gurgaon. It is listed on Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India. It has 636 patents and is active in over 150 countries. The company is specialized in optical networking which consists of optical fiber and cables, hyper-scale network design, and deployment and network software.

History 
The company was founded as Sterlite Telecom Systems in March 2000, primarily engaged in the production of telecommunication cables. By August 2000, the company's name was changed to Sterlite Optical Technologies. It was formed following the demerger telecom division from Sterlite Industries, now known as Vedanta Limited.

During the fiscal year 2005-2006, the company raised its installed capacity for Fiber Optic Cables from 1.4 million FKM to 2.4 million FKM. Additionally, in the same year, the company initiated a new project to manufacture Broadband Access Networks.

Between 2006 and 2007, the company expanded its installed capacity for Copper Telecom Cables by 2 million CKM to reach a total of 9.5 million CKM. Similarly, the capacity for Fiber Optic Cables was raised by 822,528 FKM to reach 3,222,528 FKM, and the capacity for Broadband Access Networks was increased by 120,000 to reach 720,000.

In 2007, the name of the company again changed to Sterlite Technologies.

In 2010, STL introduced its end-to-end fiber-to-the-home solution. Its FTTH solution consists of an extensive range of passive equipment designed for central office locations, distribution, and drop networks, enabling the connection of single-family units (SFUs) and multi-dwelling units (MDUs).

In 2012, as per a study released by Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, the company solidified its position as a major player in India's optical fiber industry by securing a significant 50% market share.

Operations 
As of 2023, the company operates manufacturing facilities in 6 different locations, including Aurangabad and Pune in Maharashtra, Silvassa in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. It has the first optical fiber cable plant in India to receive zero waste to landfill certification

The Aurangabad plants, located in Waluj MIDC and Shendra MIDC, primarily specialize in the production of single mode optical fibers that transmit signals at 1490 nm wavelength in compliance with internet communication standards.

As of 2020, STL invested in 5G assembling ecosystem as a part of Make in India initiative.

Geographical presence 
Along with these manufacturing sites, STL has 2  development centres and 20+ sales and marketing offices across the world as of March 31, 2018, with major presence in Australia, Brazil, China, Europe (Italy), the Middle East and the United States.

Research and development 
STL researches, conceptualizes, and manufactures telecommunications and specialized optical fibers.

In 2019, the company partnered with the Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support a 5G network research professorship. Since 2020, the professor in this position has been teaching and researching on 5G technology by combining IIT-M's research and domain knowledge with STL's industry expertise.

During 2020, STL initiated a partnership with the Device Realization Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to delve into the core manufacturing process. Subsequently, in May 2022, the research focused on identifying the underlying factors contributing to fiber breaks.

Publications

Case studies

Environmental, social, and governance

Carbon footprint 
In March 2023, STL declared its adoption of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to enhance the transparency and specificity of its carbon monitoring, control, and disclosure. Regarding its carbon footprint, the company reported a total of 237,035 tCO2 emissions in the fiscal year 2022, encompassing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.

Wastewater management 
In 2022, STL implemented the zero liquid discharge framework at its six manufacturing plants in Aurangabad and Silvassa, Maharashtra. The company recycled over 145,000 cubic meters of wastewater in the same fiscal year as part of this initiative. The process includes sewage treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, and multi-effective evaporator (MEE) plants. These operations are digitally monitored through SCADA dashboards.

Mergers and acquisitions 

 On 24 September 2015, Sterlite Technologies Limited acquired Elitecore Technologies in an all cash deal worth 180 crore.
 On 20 July 2018, Sterlite Technologies Limited subsidiary Sterlite Global Venture acquired Metallurgica Bresciana in an all cash deal worth €47 million.
 On 26 September 2019, Sterlite Technologies Limited subsidiary Sterlite Global Venture acquired Impact Data Solutions (IDS) Group for an enterprise value of $15 million.
 On 9 January 2020, Sterlite Technologies Limited acquired 12.8% stake in Israel-based ASOCS.
 On 2 November 2020, Sterlite Technologies Limited acquired 100% stake in Optotec S.p.A, a leading optical interconnect company at an enterprise value of €29 million.
 In June 2021,  STL acquired a UK-based network integration company, Clearcomm for £15.5 million.

Philanthropy

Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme (JJWEP) 
In 2014, STL established the Jeewan Jyoti Women Empowerment Programme (JJWEP), to bring about gender equality, create decent work opportunities, economic growth, and thus, alleviation of poverty in several villages

Medical Mobile Unit (MMU) 
STL initiated MMU programme in partnership with Indian red cross society across 24 remote villages

STL Garv 
In 2020, STL Garv launched BharatNet-based platform to deliver telemedicine, e-tutoring, government-to-citizen, and assisted e-commerce services in rural India.

Awards and recognitions 

 In 2019, STL is awarded at The Economic Times CIO annual conclave
 2022, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Telecom Skill Excellence Awards at Department of Telecommunications' International Quantum Communication Conclave.

Controversies 

In 2002, Sterlite Technologies Limited was the subject of a major lawsuit, by Fitel USA, a subsidiary of Furukawa Electric charging Sterlite Technologies Limited with infringement of a number of optical fiber patents including those related to manufacturing fiber with low polarization mode dispersion. This lawsuit was settled in Jan 2010.

References

External links 
Amended F-1 registration statement for Sterlite Industries (India) Limited filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Glassmaking companies of India
Electronics companies of India
Manufacturing companies based in Gurgaon
Indian companies established in 1988
Indian brands
1988 establishments in Maharashtra
Manufacturing companies established in 1988
Companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India
Companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange