India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated a fresh evaluation of spectrum demand for captive non-public networks (CNPNs), commonly referred to as private 5G networks. This reassessment comes amid limited adoption and pushback from telecom operators who oppose direct spectrum allocation to enterprises. The DoT aims to identify more viable frequency bands and bolster the technology ecosystem. As industrial interest grows, particularly among system integrators, the government is seeking input from high-net-worth enterprises by July 31. Analysts note that while private 5G has transformative potential, barriers such as high costs and limited device compatibility hinder widespread deployment.
Renewed Spectrum Review Signals Policy Shift
In a strategic move aimed at accelerating the adoption of private 5G infrastructure, India’s telecom ministry has launched a new survey to reassess the demand and ecosystem viability for direct spectrum allocation to enterprises. This is the second such exercise since the original guidelines for captive non-public networks were issued in June 2022.
A memorandum dated June 30 outlines the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to conduct a demand survey through the Saral Sanchar portal. The objective is to identify frequency bands that align more closely with available devices and advanced use cases, especially given the growing maturity of 5G technologies.
Private 5G Networks: Strategic, But Still Nascent
Captive non-public networks—essentially enterprise-owned 5G networks—are positioned as a game-changer for sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and smart cities. These networks promise ultra-reliable, low-latency, and secure communications tailored to industry-specific requirements.
However, their adoption in India remains limited. According to Ankit Dixit, CEO of Tidal Wave Technologies, actual deployments remain in the "low single digits." He attributes the slow uptake to several factors: prohibitive spectrum costs, insufficient responsiveness to enterprise needs, and a lack of trial frameworks to build confidence in early adoption.
Despite these hurdles, Dixit believes that private 5G networks could revolutionize enterprise operations, provided the regulatory and technical bottlenecks are addressed with urgency.
Telecom Operators vs. Enterprise Autonomy
The issue of spectrum allocation lies at the heart of a policy tug-of-war. Under current rules, enterprises can deploy CNPNs by leasing spectrum from licensed telecom operators or—pending policy approval—by obtaining spectrum directly from the DoT.
Telecom operators have voiced strong opposition to direct spectrum assignments to enterprises, arguing that such a move could fragment national spectrum holdings and undermine unified 5G infrastructure development. The DoT, however, appears to be evaluating whether a dual-track model—where both telcos and enterprises can participate—might better serve national interests, especially for industrial use cases requiring localized networks.
Technical Hurdles: Spectrum vs. Device Ecosystem
The original frequency ranges recommended by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)—including 3700–3800 MHz, 4800–4990 MHz, and 28.5–29.5 GHz—have not seen sufficient ecosystem development. The lack of compatible devices in these bands has been a major roadblock to enterprise uptake.
In its latest analysis, the DoT noted that device readiness is significantly better in International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) bands, which are globally adopted for 5G. This insight is expected to guide future spectrum assignments to align more closely with commercially available hardware and global standards.
Call for Stakeholder Participation
In an effort to tailor its policy to real-world demand, the DoT has invited responses from enterprises with a net worth exceeding Rs. 100 crore, as well as from system integrators interested in establishing CNPNs. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is July 31.
This collaborative approach is designed to help the government shape a policy framework that is market-responsive and capable of delivering both scale and innovation in private 5G deployment.
Outlook: Building an Enabling Ecosystem
India's ambition to build robust private 5G networks aligns with broader digital transformation goals. However, achieving scale will require a balanced regulatory framework, affordable access to spectrum, and industry-wide collaboration.
Analysts suggest that the success of CNPNs hinges on several policy levers: enabling free or subsidized trials, standardizing deployment protocols, incentivizing local device manufacturing, and clarifying the role of telcos versus system integrators in the evolving value chain.
As the DoT reconsiders its approach, the next few months will be critical in shaping the trajectory of India’s private 5G roadmap—whether it becomes an industrial growth engine or remains a niche technological experiment.
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