DoT's Renewed Push for Private 5G Networks Draws Limited Interest

The Department of Telecommunications' (DoT) demand survey for private 5G networks has found few takers. Only a few enterprises, including incomplete applications, showed interest in the survey. Telecom service providers oppose the move to give spectrum directly to enterprises, while the technology industry questions the need for a fresh demand study. The government has notified guidelines for establishing captive private 5G networks, but the process has been delayed.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has conducted a demand survey for private 5G networks, but the response has been underwhelming. Only a few enterprises, including incomplete applications, showed interest in the survey. This lack of enthusiasm is partly due to the opposition from telecom service providers (TSPs) who argue against direct spectrum allocation to enterprises.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has strongly opposed direct spectrum allocation to enterprises. COAI contends that such allocations could lead to security risks, reduce government revenues, and create an uneven competitive environment [1]. The association believes that enterprises should rely on licensed TSPs for their 5G needs through spectrum leasing or network slicing [1].

The technology industry, however, questions the need for a fresh demand study, given the current market conditions. The government has notified guidelines for establishing captive private 5G networks, but the process has been delayed, further adding to the uncertainty [2].

The low response to the DoT's survey suggests that enterprises are cautious about the regulatory and operational challenges associated with private 5G networks. Additionally, the existing telecom infrastructure in India, particularly in industrial corridors and enterprise zones, is already robust, making the need for private networks less pressing [1].

The DoT's reassessment of locally licensed spectrum demand for captive non-public networks (CNPNs) is still pending, with frequency bands under consideration including Band n79 - 4.8-49 GHz, Band n78 - 3.7-3.8 GHz, and Band n257 [2]. The railway sector already has access to 2 x 10 MHz of 700 MHz spectrum for private networks, but the implementation of a Broadband Public Protection & Disaster Relief network is still in progress [2].

In conclusion, the low interest in the DoT's private 5G network demand survey underscores the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the implementation of private networks in India. The opposition from TSPs and the delayed regulatory process have contributed to the cautious approach of enterprises. As the technology and regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the future of private 5G networks in India remains uncertain.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/direct-spectrum-allocation-to-enterprises-not-tenable-coai-on-private-5g-networks/articleshow/123234746.cms
[2] https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/indian-operator-association-wants-limit-enterprise-access-private-networks
[3] https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-coai-again-opposes-direct-spectrum-allocation-for-private-5g-3943470/