Captive 5G networks not off the regulator's radar, yet
Infosys, Tata Communications and Larsen & Toubro that have been seeking to establish private 5G networks on their own, through direct access to spectrum instead of relying on telecom companies.
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If the proposal of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) gets government clearance, these entities could set up captive private 5G networks at costs that are 40% cheaper than what it would cost to use the networks of telecom operators or for leasing spectrum from them, say industry experts.
Trai last week recommended a separate authorisation framework for captive non-public network (CNPN) providers under Section 3 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, with the scope of establishing, maintaining, operating and expanding the networks for enterprises.
Section 3 of the Act allows the government to assign spectrum administratively to entities in defence, law enforcement, broadcasting services, disaster management, navigation, telemetry, in-flight and maritime connectivity, as well as for safety and operations of mines, ports and oil exploration etc.
Experts say Trai's suggestion could unleash new momentum for enterprise 5G which is close to nil in India. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, India only has 10 private networks so far, compared with more than 170 in the US and over 50 in China and Germany combined.
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